Authorities say a Philipsburg man is behind bars following an investigation into suspected child abuse over the weekend.
Investigators say on Saturday, Feb. 11, troopers were dispatched to a residence in Chester Hill Borough for a report of a 1-year-old child who was found “face down” in a bathtub.
Police say the child reportedly had numerous bruises on his body and he was flown to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for further treatment.
Authorities say the child’s caretaker, 25-year-old Dontae Thomas, allegedly told troopers that he was giving the child a bath and had “momentarily” stepped out of the room.
Police say Thomas claimed that when he returned, he found the child “face down” in the tub.
Investigators say Thomas reportedly contacted the child’s mother, who told him to call 911. Police also noted that Thomas reportedly attempted CPR on the child.
Troopers say when they interviewed Thomas a second time, he reportedly admitted to “shaking” the child during the previous day.
Police say Thomas claimed that the child had woken him up with blood dripping from its mouth from reportedly “biting his tongue.”
According to the affidavit, investigators say Thomas confessed to “grabbing the child” and shaking him approximately three times, at which time the child reportedly struck his head on the headboard of the bed.
Authorities say police later spoke with doctors who stated that the child had suffered “near-fatal” injuries as a result of the abuse.
Police say doctors observed numerous bruises “up and down” the child’s body and the toddler was being treated for a suspected brain bleed.
According to online court records, Thomas was arraigned Sunday on charges of felony aggravated assault and child endangerment.
He is being held at the Clearfield County Prison on $150,000 bail.
