A dad called his girlfriend at work, saying 4-year-old twins knocked over a 4-month-old baby’s bassinet, Pennsylvania police told news outlets.
When the mother returned home, she found a bruise on the baby’s head and the apartment in disarray, Pittsburgh police said, according to WTAE. She monitored her child throughout the night, WTAE reported, but eventually took him to the hospital.
On the way to the hospital, the baby stopped breathing and was unconscious, police said, according to KDKA.
Doctors said the baby’s “grave” condition was not consistent with a fall from a bassinet, rather it was likely caused by at least three blows to the head, according to court records obtained by WTAE. The boy suffered skull fractures, broken shoulders and spinal cord injuries, according to the outlet.
The 28-year-old father is now facing charges for the injuries caused to the infant and the twins, according to court documents and WPXI.
He was arrested Sept. 10 and charged with five counts of aggravated assault and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to court documents. He was denied bail.
The dad’s attorney information was not listed. McClatchy News is not naming the man to protect the identity of the children.
The 4-year-old twins told a family member their dad punched them and threw them across a room, according to a criminal complaint, reported by WPXI. The twins also told police he threw the baby on the floor, according to KDKA.
Officers searched the apartment to find shattered glass covering the floor, according to WPXI. The father was found hiding in the basement of the apartment building, police told KDKA.
The man is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 18.
If you suspect a child has experienced, is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect, your first step should be to contact the appropriate agency. The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a list of state agencies you can contact. Find help specific to your area here.
For additional help, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has professional crisis counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. You can call or text 1-800-422-4453 .
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911 for help.
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