Father accused of child abuse

The 22-year-old father of a 6-week-old boy is under arrest after a doctor determined the infant was suffering from shaken-baby syndrome.

Joshua Hammer and his wife first told investigators that they don’t know what caused an apparent severe brain injury to their baby.

Hammer then later told detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office that he lied to them. He said he was alone with the child and was carrying him, when he rolled out of his arms.

Doctors, however, assessed the baby and determined that he was suffering from shaken-baby syndrome.

The baby could have permanent brain damage.

Hammer and his wife have had another child removed from their custody because of several abuse reports.

Investigators noticed holes punched in the walls of Hammer’s home.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].