HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - A Hagerstown man has been arrested after authorities say he violently shook his 8-week-old son, causing him to suffer serious injuries.
Court documents show Nicholas J. Hammersla was arrested Saturday after the baby's mother brought the child to the hospital with a head injury and broken ribs.
Hammersla is charged with first-degree and second-degree child abuse.
Hammersla initially told detectives he tripped over a Nerf gun, and the infant fell out of his hands, causing the baby to strike his head on the floor. He later said he had been frustrated with the infant and had bounced him on his knee and then tried to pick him up around the ribs.
The infant remained hospitalized as of Monday.
A first-degree child abuse conviction carries a maximum 25-year prison sentence.
