Hazel Park Man Breaks Baby's Bones, Admits Crying Frustrated Him: Prosecutor

HAZEL PARK, MI — A Hazel Park man is facing child abuse charges after he admitted to hurting his 4-week-old infant, according to prosecutors.

Cody Patterson, 20, was charged with three counts of second-degree child abuse, which is each a 10-year felony. He was placed in jail with a $500,000 bond.

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Police were called to Patterson's Hazel Park home last Friday on reports of a baby with a broken arm.

Officers found the 4-week-old infant with bruising on his forehead and signs of pain when his arm was moved, according to prosecutors.

The infant was taken to a nearby hospital where x-rays showed more than 30 rib fractures, broken bones in his left lower leg and a bone fracture to his right upper arm, according to prosecutors.

The baby also had bruises on his face, forehead and collarbone, according to prosecutors.

Patterson told investigators that the child's crying frustrated him so he hurt the child.

He told investigators that he squeezed the infant's arm and manipulated and squeezed his legs, hearing a popping sound during the latter incident, according to prosecutors.

The baby was placed in Child Protective Services.

Prosecutors are still investigating the incident and reviewing medical records and other additional evidence.

"These allegations are shocking and heartbreaking," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "A four-week-old infant cannot speak or defend himself. He must rely on the adults in his life to care for his well-being. This defendant, instead of protecting his child, allegedly abused him with appalling physical violence."