Dos Palos man suspected of breaking baby’s legs

A Dos Palos man is in custody on suspicion of breaking the legs of his girlfriend’s infant son, according to a Los Banos Police Department news release.

Aaron Burns, 29, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of child endangerment with bodily injury, assault with great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury, and violation of probation. Burns is being held without bail at the Merced County jail.

According to police, officers responded to Memorial Hospital Los Banos at 2:20 a.m. Monday and discovered a 10-month-old boy with two broken legs and other unspecified injuries. Medical staff thought the infant’s injuries were suspicious and alerted police. The child’s legs were broken just above the ankles.

The infant’s mother told police her son was briefly in the care of Burns, her boyfriend, and that she later discovered the child’s injuries, according to law enforcement. The mother was not initially forthcoming with investigators working the case, police said.

According to the news release, Los Banos police detectives are working with the Merced County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the mother will face charges.

The Los Banos Police Department is working with Merced County Child Protective Services to ensure the child remains in a safe environment, the news release states.

Cmdr. Jason Hedden was reached by phone late Thursday. He did not provide further details, but did say he understands how jarring it is for the public to hear about such incidents.

“This is one of those cases that shocks the conscience of the community,” Hedden said.

To leave an anonymous tip in the case, call 209-827-7070, ext. 288, or go to the Police Department’s website at www.losbanos.org; click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link. Tipsters also can contact Merced Area Crime Stoppers at 855-725-2420 or www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Dos Palos man suspected of breaking baby’s legs."