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9-Year-Old Boy Handcuffed, Beaten After Eating Birthday Cake In Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WJZ)— Authorities in Hagerstown are investigating after a 9-year-old boy was allegedly handcuffed and severely beaten for eating a piece of birthday cake without permission.

Police say it happened Tuesday just after 10:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Lynnehaven Drive, when the boy was apparently beaten by his mother's boyfriend.

According to authorities, Community Rescue Service (CRS) responded after the juvenile was found unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. Police also say the boy had numerous bruises, contusions and abrasions on his body, including the face, neck, back, buttocks, legs and abdomen.

Police say four hours after the alleged beating the victim was denied medical attention by his mother. Police say CRS responded to the residence a first time when another man inside the home called 911 for assistance. When authorities arrived they were turned away when the boy's mother stated he was simply "congested".

Emergency crews were called back to the home after the boy stopped breathing at approximately 10:37 p.m.

The boy was transported to Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he remains in critical condition.

Robert Wilson, 30, of Hagerstown, was arrested and charged with first and second degree assault, child abuse, and reckless endangerment.

Robert Leroy Wilson
Robert Leroy Wilson (Photo/ Hagerstown Police DEpartment)

He is currently being held on $600,000 bond.

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