LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man has been arraigned on charges of assault and battery after authorities say he caused significant injuries to his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter.
Prosecutors said Friday that 26-year-old Bunthang Ponn of Lowell faces charges of assault and battery on a child causing substantial injury.
The child is hospitalized at Children's Hospital in Boston after suffering fractures, partial paralysis, cerebral swelling and a stroke. Prosecutors say they believe the injuries occurred Nov. 30 while Ponn was caring for the girl.
Authorities say Ponn claimed the two-year-old had fallen from a high chair but that police determined the injuries weren't consistent with that type of a fall.
Ponn's bail was set at $500,000. His next court date is set for Jan. 4.
It was unclear Friday if Ponn has an attorney.
