A 20-year-old man has been charged with three counts of second-degree child abuse after allegedly causing multiple fractures to his four-week-old baby in Hazel Park, Michigan.
Cody Patterson was arrested after police were called to a home on 1 October following reports that the infant had a broken arm. Officers found the child with bruising above one eye and apparent pain in the right shoulder.
The baby was taken to hospital, where medical staff reportedly found fractures to the arms, legs and ribs. Hazel Park police said the injuries were at different stages of healing.
Investigators allege Patterson told officers he became frustrated when the baby cried and felt he could not cope. He reportedly said he took the child into a bathroom, where he forcibly squeezed and manipulated the infant’s limbs.
Patterson was arrested at the hospital and arraigned in Hazel Park District Court on 5 October. A not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Magistrate Michael G Mitchell set bail at $500,000, with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim or any children, and a requirement that Patterson stay away from the home connected with the allegations.
Each second-degree child abuse charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if Patterson is convicted. His probable-cause conference is scheduled for 13 October, with a preliminary examination provisionally set for 20 October.
The baby remains under the care of Child Protective Services. The allegations have not been tested in court.
