A 20-year-old father in Ohio, US, is facing charges for allegedly assaulting his newborn son, causing brain damage, in a fit of rage triggered by his inability to locate his vape device. Hunter Dalton was taken into custody after a domestic incident was reported at an apartment complex near Cleveland. The child’s mother, who called 911, sought refuge with her dog in the leasing office. She reported that Dalton had threatened her and their one-month-old baby. Upon police arrival, the mother was found in the leasing office, while Dalton was outside their apartment. The baby, found struggling to breathe in his cot, was swiftly transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed brain bleeding and damage but expect the infant to survive.
During questioning, the child’s mother alleged that Dalton had previously strangled her and recounted the events leading up to the assault. She mentioned that Dalton became agitated when he couldn’t locate his vape upon waking up, escalating further when she declined to help due to caring for the baby and noticing the dog’s mess. Allegedly, Dalton physically attacked her, threatened both her and the infant, displayed anger issues, and exhibited signs of being overwhelmed since the baby’s birth. Dalton denied harming his son, stating he only moved the baby from a bouncy seat to the cot.
Whitehall’s Chief Deputy of Police, Shawn Wilson, expressed concern for the injured child, extending support to the family and praising the professional and compassionate response of law enforcement. Dalton is currently held at the Franklin County Correction Centre on a $1 million bail with restrictions if released. He is scheduled for trial on September 29 and prohibited from making threats, possessing firearms, consuming alcohol, or contacting the victims.