Sarasota Man Arrested For Child Abuse After 3-Year-Old Brought Into ER

A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse after he brought a 3-year-old girl into the emergency room with severe injuries.

Sarasota County Sheriff's deputies were called to Sarasota Memorial Hospital Saturday morning after Nicholas Ritter brought the young girl in with fractures to her skull, a laceration to her chin and several bruises to her chest and back.

While Ritter told doctors that the child had fallen, doctors said examination of the injuries suggested they were caused by blunt-force trauma, and they called the authorities.

Ritter was arrested and remains in custody on a $100,000 bond. The Sheriff's Office said their investigation is ongoing.

At last report, the young girl is in serious condition at All Children's Hospital.