A 20-year-old man from Ohio, identified as Hunter Dalton, has been arrested and charged with assaulting his newborn son, causing brain damage. The incident occurred when Dalton became enraged after misplacing his vape device. The police were alerted to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in Ohio, where the child’s mother reported being threatened by Dalton. Responding officers found the mother safe in the leasing office while Dalton was detained outside their apartment. The baby was discovered struggling to breathe in his crib.

Emergency responders rushed the infant to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed bleeding on the brain and brain damage, but expect the baby to survive. According to the mother, Dalton had allegedly strangled her the day prior to the assault. She recounted that Dalton’s anger escalated when he couldn’t find his vape and noticed household items disturbed by the family dog. Dalton reportedly became violent, throwing objects, threatening the mother and child’s lives.

Despite the accusations, Dalton denied harming his son, claiming he only moved the baby to his cot. Whitehall’s Chief Deputy of Police expressed condolences for the child and urged community support during the investigation. Dalton is currently held at the Franklin County Correction Center on a $1 million bail and faces restrictions if released on bail. His court appearance is scheduled for September 29.