Simsbury Dad Pleads Not Guilty to Injuring Infant Son

A Simsbury father charged with causing 'significant developmental issues' after allegedly injuring his infant son has entered a not guilty plea after he was found to be competent to stand trial.

26-year-old Christopher R. Berman of Simsbury remains in police custody following his arrest last September. Berman is facing four felony charges including first degree assault and risk of injury to a child stemming from two separate events.

During a court appearance on Monday a judge ruled Berman competent to stand trial, according to the Hartford Courant. Berman has appeared in court five times since his arrest, according to court records.

On Sept. 9, 2012, police were notified by the state Department of Children and Families that a young boy was at the Childrens Medical Center being treated for injuries that were "highly suspicious for child abuse," according to a warrant.

Berman told investigators he was "frustrated with the baby" and admitted to handling his son "too aggressively," according to a warrant. Berman recalled waking up early that morning after not sleeping well the night before. When he heard his son crying, Berman "grabbed [his] right leg, just above the ankle, squeezed real hard and twisted it toward his head," the warrant said.

According to court records, this isn't the only instance of abuse by Berman that police are investigating. In light of Berman's change in story after the Sept. 9 incident, investigators were able to take another look at another incident involving Berman earlier this year.

On July 29 police were called to Berman's home when his son suffered from cardiopulmonary arrest. After an initial investigation, the cause of the attack was undetermined. According to the warrant the incident caused the boy "significant developmental problems, probably on the level of a child with Cerebral Palsy."

Berman has obtained legal counsel, according to court records. Public Defender John R. Delbarba was assigned to the case. Delbarba could not be reached for comment.

Berman will remain in custody on a $250,000 bond until his next court appearance on May 20.