Dad ‘battered newborn and left baby with brain damage’ after losing vape

Hunter Dalton, 20, was arrested last week after he allegedly assaulted his one-month-old son in a fit of rage after he couldn’t find his vape, leaving the baby with brain damage

A 20-year-old dad has been charged with severely assaulting his newborn son, leaving the infant with brain damage, after allegedly losing his temper over a misplaced vape.

Hunter Dalton from Ohio in the US was arrested last week and faces serious charges of felonious assault, domestic violence by assault, and assault. Police were alerted to a domestic incident at an apartment complex around 150 miles south-west of Cleveland at approximately 12.30pm on Friday.

The emergency call was made by the baby’s mum, who had taken refuge with her dog in the leasing office of the apartment building. She reported to the dispatchers that Dalton had threatened to kill both her and their one-month-old baby, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

When police arrived on the scene, they found the mother still in the leasing office while Dalton was outside their flat. He was promptly arrested, and upon entering the apartment, officers discovered the baby in his cot, struggling to breathe.

Paramedics quickly transported the baby to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, six miles away. Doctors there informed authorities that the newborn was suffering from bleeding on the brain and brain damage, but is expected to survive, reports the Mirror.

In a conversation with investigators, the child’s mum claimed Dalton had also strangled her the previous day, according to Columbus ABC affiliate WSYX. She recounted how Dalton had reportedly lost his temper after waking up and failing to find his vape device.

His mood deteriorated when she refused to help him search because she was looking after their baby, and when he noticed the family dog had chewed tissues in the home.

Dalton then allegedly threw her to the ground, kicked the dog, flung a fan across the room and threatened to kill both her and the infant.

She told officers Dalton’s “anger issues” had escalated since the baby’s arrival, describing him as “overwhelmed” and easily irritated.

Dalton, however, denied harming his son. He reportedly told investigators that all he did was move the baby from his bouncy seat into the cot.

Whitehall’s Chief Deputy of Police Shawn Wilson told WSYX: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the young child who was the victim of this horrific act. We remain hopeful for his full recovery and ask the community to join us in supporting him and his family during this difficult time.

“We also want to commend the outstanding work of our patrol and detective divisions, whose response to this case was marked by professionalism, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice. This is an ongoing investigation and we will provide updates as necessary.”

Dalton is currently detained at the Franklin County Correction Centre with a bail set at $1 million (£750,000). If released, he will be prohibited from making threats, possessing a firearm, consuming alcohol, or contacting the victims.

His court appearance for trial is scheduled for September 29.