An Indiana man is facing felony charges after allegedly holding his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son under hot water for allegedly dirtying his diaper.
Per WRTV, law enforcement got involved after the victim was hospitalized on Saturday for severe burns and other injuries. Court documents stated that police zeroed in on Dennis Tannen, 29, after learning he was watching the child when he was burned.
The toddler reportedly suffered serious burns on his face, lips, buttocks, and genitals. Suggesting the injuries were “non-accidental,” WXIN reported that doctors claimed he also had peculiar bruising on his chest and face.
The child’s mother was reportedly working when her son was injured. According to the court documents, she claimed Tannen called her about an “incident” and she rushed home to find him outside smoking a cigarette.
The mother said found her son inside the residence with a large burn on his face—noting that it appeared the skin was falling off.
Initially, Tannen allegedly told police he left the toddler alone in the tub for “10 seconds,” returning to find he turned on the hot water and burned himself.
WRTV reported that he ultimately admitted that he was awaiting a phone call when the toddler defecated in his diaper. Tannen allegedly became infuriated and set the water to its hottest setting before placing him under the faucet to wash him off.
Police said Tannen claimed the toddler was holding onto him when he slipped and lost his grip. He reportedly said he grabbed the toddler, resulting in the bruising to his chest.
Tannen was charged with aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent. It’s not immediately known whether he’s still in custody.
[Featured Image: Dennis Tannen/Police handout]
