WOONSOCKET, R.I. — A man was arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly slapping a baby because the five-month-old wouldn't stop crying.
Officers responded to the home on East Street on Sunday after receiving a report that an infant had fallen off of the couch. The baby boy, who suffered facial bruising and a hemotoma, was unresponsive when officers arrived.
A roommate of the baby's parents, identified as 25-year-old Christopher Bernier, had been babysitting at the time.
Bernier initially told officers that the baby had fallen off a couch. After an investigation, officers learned that Bernier had slapped the child because the baby wouldn't stop crying. According to police, Bernier said he "lost it."
Bernier was charged with first degree child abuse and is scheduled for arraignment Monday.
The infant's condition is not known at this time.
Cox Media Group
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