Arnold Man Charged in Injury of 8-Month-Old Son

A 25-year-old Arnold man faces a felony assault charge in connection with injuries sustained by his 8-month-old son.

Jefferson County prosecutors have charged Michael Anthony Foster, of the 600 block of Jeffco Blvd., with first-degree assault.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Forrest Wegge said he was unable to comment on the case.

However, according to a probable cause statement released by the prosecutor’s office, the child had been under Foster’s sole custody and care the evening of Jan. 24.

The child’s mother, who lived with Foster, left for work around 5 p.m., investigators said in the statement. The next day, she took the baby to St. Anthony’s Medical Center because he had been vomiting. The child was later transferred to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

According to the statement, doctors found that the child had:

• “healing” fractures to four ribs on the right side;
• acute fractures to two ribs on the left side;
• an injury to the small bowel;
• a possible fracture to the iliac;
• and an enlarged pancreas consistent with traumatic injury.

After his arrest, Foster told authorities that the child was injured when the changing table broke and he fell on top of his son, the statement said.  However, the doctor concluded that the injuries were not accidental and were caused by blunt force trauma.

Capt. Ralph Arnhart, of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, said Foster posted bond Feb. 3 and was released.

He also noted that anyone who suspects child abuse should call the Child Abuse Hot Line at 1-800-392-3738. Calls may be made anonymously.

Correction: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office provided the photo for this article. An earlier version of the article incorrectly gave the writer credit for the photo. The editor erred.