Crime & Safety

Police: Vernon Man Facing Child Abuse Charges

Police have released details on the case.

Police have released the details of a Monday arrest of a Vernon resident on  charges related to child abuse. 

On Monday at approximately 6:15 p.m., Mark Anthony Robert, 24, was arrested at his home by Vernon police, according to a news release. Robert lives at 18 Oak St. in the Rockville section of town, police said. 

Police had obtained a warrant for his arrest. 

When officers attempted to take him into custody, Robert resisted them near a cruiser, according to a news release. 

Officers had to wrestle with Robert to secure him in the police car, according to a news release.
Robert’s arrest stems from an investigation by Vernon detectives into an incident that occurred on Jan. 17, police said. Robert was babysitting the 13-month-old of an acquaintance at a Ward Street apartment that day, police said. 

While he was watching the infant, Robert became upset and allegedly "physically assaulted the baby," police said. 

According to a news release, he allegedly kicked the child into an entertainment center, causing serious injury. The baby was later treated at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and turned over to the custody of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, police said. 

Robert was transported to Vernon police headquarters, where he was processed and held on a $15,000 surety bond, police said. 

He has ben charged with cruelty to persons, risk of injury; second-degree assault; and two counts of second-degree false statement, police said. 

Robert was also charged with interfering, according to a news release. 


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