A man is facing charges of child abuse after reportedly assaulting his wife, causing her to drop and injure their baby.
According to a probable cause statement obtained today by InMaricopa, police have arrested James E. Harrison, a 28-year-old individual, on felony charges of child abuse and child endangerment, along with one misdemeanor charge of assault.
Police were called to a residence on West Elm Drive in Rancho El Dorado when Harrison’s wife sought refuge at a neighbor’s house and contacted emergency services, expressing concern for the safety of their child.
A woman who was injured recounted to the police that she was holding her son when Harrison forcefully grabbed her by the head and repeatedly slammed her head into a dresser, resulting in her accidentally dropping the child. The child also suffered injuries to the head.
Police officers entered the residence and discovered Harrison in a state of confusion and hallucination. He was lying on his bed, claiming that his knee had vanished, despite being able to move both of his legs, as stated in the police report.
According to the police, Harrison’s behavior was erratic, alternating between calmness and aggression, leading them to suspect that he was under the influence of a substance as reported by Maricopa News.
The wife and child were taken to a hospital in Chandler. The severity of their injuries was not disclosed by the police. According to reports, Harrison declined to allow Maricopa Fire and Medical responders to assess his condition.
Harrison has been placed in the Pinal County jail. He could potentially be sentenced to over eight years in prison.
North Dakota Man Sent to Jail; Directed 13-year-old to Engage in Inappropriate Acts: Authorities