Man arrested for beating toddler with belt

WARSAW, Ind. (WANE) A 23-year-old Warsaw man was arrested on child abuse allegations Thursday after police said he beat his girlfriend’s 2-year-old child with a belt because the toddler wet its pants.

Devan Bounds faces charges of battery to a person less than 14 years of age by an adult; battery causing moderate bodily injury; and obstruction of justice – all felonies – related to an investigation into injuries found on a 2-year-old.

According to investigators, Bounds had been watching his girlfriend’s children Monday when the toddler wet its pants. Bounds then became angry and struck the child with a belt multiple times, police said.

According to a report from the Warsaw Police Department, the toddler’s aunt came across “multiple welts” and several cuts to the back and buttocks of the toddler, and called police.

Police said the toddler’s mother first admitted to disciplining the child, but later said Bounds was responsible. She said she was intimidated and scared of him, and said he had been physical with her previously. She said Bounds made her delete texts off her phone after he found out the police were involved and investigating, police said.

Bounds was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail. His bond was set at $35,000.

Police said additional charges may be filed.