Abused homeless 4-year-old boy gets help, thanks to fast food workers.

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Employees at a Taylorsville restaurant expressed concern about a family that appeared to be in distress, which led to the arrest of a homeless man Tuesday who police say was abusing a woman's two children.

Rodolfo Martinez-Avila, 36, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated child abuse, child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia and intoxication.

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When officers arrived, they found Martinez-Avila "sitting at the table, face down, with drool running out of his mouth," the affidavit states.

A 4-year-old boy had dried blood in his nostrils. A woman and a second child, approximately 6 months old, were also there.

"(Martinez-Avila) seemed confused by simple commands and statements, made continuous rapid movements and fidgets, and generally seemed unable to clearly articulate himself," police noted in the affidavit.

When paramedics asked the 4-year-old if he had any injuries, the boy nodded "yes" and raised his shirt to show bruises on this chest, the affidavit says.

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"The female also told officers the family was homeless. Restaurant employees told officers they have seen the family before and try to give them free food because they are concerned about the children's wellness," the affidavit states.

While being questioned by officers, Martinez-Avila eventually claimed he had grabbed the 4-year-old boy by both arms that day, as well as admitting to using meth the day before, according to police.

Police noted that Martinez-Avila was deported several years ago and has since illegally returned to the United States.

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