Dad throws hungry 1-year-old into crib and chokes 9-year-old son, MI cops say
A dad’s abuse put his 9-year-old son in the hospital, Michigan deputies said.
The 38-year-old father beat his son and choked him because he fell asleep on the couch the night of June 26, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
He then told the boy, “it’s gonna happen all night” before going to the store, leaving the child home with his 1-year-old brother, deputies said in a June 29 news release.
McClatchy News is not naming the parent to protect the identities of the children.
The boy left the Pontiac home and went to another home for help, according to deputies, and authorities were called.
Deputies said the 9-year-old boy was covered in welts from being beaten with a belt and broom handle. He also had abrasions on his eye and neck, according to deputies.
He told deputies the father threw his 1-year-old brother into his crib because he was crying from hunger, according to deputies. He also said his dad had choked him until he passed out, authorities said.
The toddler was found with healed cigarette burns on the back of his legs, according to the sheriff’s office.
The 9-year-old boy was taken to the hospital for his injuries and the toddler was placed in the custody of child protective services, according to deputies.
The dad was arrested and charged with two counts of child abuse. He is held in jail on a $100,000 bond.
Authorities said the dad told a relative “he had been ‘whooping’ his son for stealing.”
Pontiac is about a 30-mile drive northwest from Detroit.
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.