Cops say a female Montana daycare operator was brutally assaulted last week while trying to protect three kids from their allegedly drunk dad, who had reportedly lost legal custody.

Martha McClure was caring for the children—all under the age of four—when their father, 31-year-old Francis Joseph Jackson, showed up at the daycare facility with an “unidentified woman,” the AP reports.

McClure was reportedly aware Jackson’s parental rights had been suspended and that Child Protective Services had legal custody, so she took physical action. The details, via the AP:

McClure reported she could smell alcohol on Jackson, that he was angry she wouldn’t let him pick up his children, and that he threatened to assault her in front of the kids at Martha’s Mini Daycare, court records said.

She was able to physically remove Jackson from the daycare center and lock the door. But she said he began throwing toys, including a tricycle, at the window in an apparent attempt to get back inside, court records said.

McClure went outside, where she and Jackson fought until a woman hit McClure in the face with a snow shovel. Jackson then hit McClure in the face, knocking her down, court records said. The suspects fled without the children.

McClure was hospitalized with facial injuries and reportedly underwent eye surgery Monday. Her sister-in-law tells the AP she is “still struggling with double vision.”

Jackson was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated burglary and custodial interference. His female friend has not yet been identified or arrested.

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