BOSTON (WMUR/CNN) – A father in New Hampshire is facing charges after authorities say he assaulted his two-year-old son.
The child's injuries were so severe that doctors had to put the boy in a medically induced coma.
Court documents revealed what authorities say happened inside the home on the night of Dec. 10.
"It really hits home with DCYF workers, medical professionals and certainly our investigators," said Lt. Jim Fogarty with the New Hampshire State Police.
Police said that 23-year-old Ryan Upson took his 2-year-old son to a local emergency room, claiming the child was hurt after falling from a high chair.
But multiple injuries to the boy's head and chest did not add up for doctors.
They called police who launched and investigation, which led to Upson being charged with first-degree assault and falsifying physical evidence.
"It is a very serious charge - first degree assault means that the defendant caused serious bodily injury either recklessly or knowingly," said Fogarty.
Upson's son was eventually flown to an out of state hospital, where he underwent neurosurgery and is recovering from several strokes related to his injuries.
He is also unable to move one side of his body.
According to court documents, after Upson's son was flown to the hospital, he then returned home to clean up vomit and blood that was left behind.
Upson entered not guilty pleas in Carroll County Superior Court.
There were also calls made at the home before over reports an injured child, most recently back in October.
"I'll tell you that a two year old child is among our most vulnerable citizens so this is a disturbing investigation for everyone involved," said Fogarty.
Although the father initially said the boy fell, police say he changed his story, later telling them the fall occurred after he hit the boy in the chest.
The court set the father's cash bail at $50,000.
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