A Florida father is in police custody after they say he drunkenly fell asleep on top of his infant son causing permanent brain, liver and kidney damage.
24-year-old Jonathon Ponder was arrested in Sarasota, Florida after police were called to a local hospital where his 4-month-old son was taken in with labored breathing and diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection.
Police say the child’s mother lied to the staff and told them the child had a high fever failing to mention that the child was suffering from seizures caused by his father laying on top of him.
After further examination, the hospital staff determined that the baby was expressing signs of strangulation or smothering and authorities were called in.
According to a police affidavit, when Ponder was questioned, he told them he told the mother to take the baby to the hospital because it was “freaking out” but denied sleeping on him.
The mother confessed and told authorities that Ponder was drinking and fell asleep in bed with her and the baby.
She woke up in the morning to find him laying face down on top of the child while the baby struggled for air.
Ponder is being charged with child abuse and neglect.
