Police officials said the 29-year-old father, later identified as Richard, was taken into custody and later charged with multiple charges after he reportedly shook his 15-month-old baby really fast in a baby stroller before dropping the child on the pavement. The nak-d baby was also crying hysterically and appeared to be dehydrated, police officials said.
During an interview with investigators, the father reportedly said that he dropped his baby on the pavement in order to toughen him up. Richard was later charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, public intoxication and possession of marijuana. The responding officers were reportedly flagged down by a witness, who wished to remain anonymous.
The witness reportedly told the officers that she saw Richard drop and shake a baby in a stroller. The responding officers said the father was hostile, slurring his speech and having difficulty standing still. Richard reportedly admitted to police that had been drinking and smoking marijuana. A 40-ounce bottle of malt liquor was located under the child’s stroller, the report said.
During an interview with investigators, the father also admitted to dropping the child, telling them that he plays rough with the victim every day and accidentally drops him often in an effort to toughen him up. The child, who was naked and crying hysterically, was covered in dirt and sand and had red marks on his back and a cut on his stomach, the report said. Richard is the custodial parent and responsible for care of the victim, police officials said.