Northville Man Accused of Burning Toddler with Lighter, Hitting Him Multiple Times

A Northville Township man was charged with repeatedly hitting and burning a 23-month-old with a lighter.

Dylan James Dunlap, 19, was arraigned Wednesday at 35th District Court in Plymouth by Judge Ronald Lowe, according to Northville Township police. His arraignment included multiple charges including torture, which carries a potential sentence of life in prison. He was also charged with first degree child abuse and assault.

According to Wayne County prosecutors, Dunlap was left in charge of the toddler, his girlfriend's nephew, on Monday at an apartment located in the 19400 block of Northridge Drive while she went to the store.

Police say Dunlap hit the boy multiple times on the head, torso and legs and held a lighter to the child’s skin causing burns on his chest, palm, thumb and wrist.

Dunlap received a $1 million bond. A preliminary examination is scheduled for May 17 at 35th District Court.

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