FARGO, N.D. (KHN) – A Fargo man has been charged with felony child abuse after allegedly beating and punching his toddler in the face and stomach.
Kyle Johnson was charged on February 13 with Class B Felony child abuse against a victim under the age of six. On February 14, he appeared in court for the first time, and the judge set bail at $20,000 in cash. Johnson bailed out by paying 10% of that amount.
According to the incident report, the child’s mother contacted police on February 10 after discovering noticeable red scars on her son’s face and bruising on his forehead during a child exchange with Johnson.
Police spoke with Johnson, who expressed frustration while preparing the youngsters for the day. He told officers that after the boy called him a “** hat,” he beat him twice in the face, spanked him several times, and then punched him in the stomach.
According to court papers, the child’s mother informed officers that the discipline was severe and undeserving.
Officers said the images of the child’s injuries matched Johnson’s version of the occurrence. On February 14, an injunction barring contact was also filed.
Reference: Father Arrested After Slapping and Punching Child