Woonsocket Man Charged after Toddler Found Unconscious

WOONSOCKET, RI—Police have charged a Woonsocket with first degree Child Abuse after rescue workers responded to his home for an accident involving the baby he was minding for the parents.

According to police, officers went to an East Street home on Sunday for a report about a 5-month-old that had fallen off a couch. When they arrived, they found Woonsocket Fire and Rescue workers with an unconscious and unresponsive child. The rescue workers told police the baby had suffered numerous facial bruises and a hematoma (blood bruise).

Officers interviewed Kristofer Bernier, 25, of Woonsocket, who was a roommate of the child’s parents. He was babysitting the child. Bernier allegedly told police the injuries occurred after the baby fell off the couch. But detectives were called in to investigate due to the suspicious nature of the injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Bernier was charged with first Degree Child Abuse and was to be arraigned in Sixth District Court on Monday.

The infant was first brought to Landmark Medical Center and then transferred to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Patch will update this story when information becomes available.