Editor’s note: This story contains information that may be disturbing, and should be read with caution.
SOMERSET – A Somerset man was arrested Friday for routinely abusing and humiliating his 2-year-old son, including – police said – pouring hot sauce down the boy’s throat and writing obscene words and images on him with a permanent marker.
Jason Flick, 27, of Village Way, was arraigned before District Judge Art Cook of Somerset and placed in the county jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.
“I have seen cases where there was greater physical harm. But the thing that strikes me most is just the amount of cruelty involved,” borough police Chief Randy Cox said.
“Talk about bullying an innocent.”
Flick was captured without incident at the scrapyard where he works, Cox said.
The arrest caps an investigation that began on Sept. 30, when Flick took his son to the emergency room at Somerset Hospital for treatment of a broken leg and fractured skull. The boy later was transported to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Hospital personnel contacted police after determining the injuries could not have happened by the boy falling down stairs, as Flick maintained.
The child is in foster care, where he has been since being released from the hospital.
Authorities said the boy’s 19-year-old mother, Rogi Spangler, remains under investigation, al-though no charges have been filed.
Described as a “pattern of abuse,” it allegedly began soon after Flick was released from jail last December after serving time for assault.
Borough police said Flick:
• Repeatedly shot the boy with a “soft air” gun, causing redness, welts and bruising. Police said Flick indicated he did it “for his own amusement.”
• Placed beer in the child’s “sippy cup” to watch the boy drink it.
• Caught a snake at the playground and wrapped it around his son’s neck, forcing the crying and hysterical boy to wear it for five minutes.
• Drew a sexually explicit picture on the child’s face with a permanent marker.
• Forced open the boy’s mouth and poured hot sauce down his throat.
• Hit the child in the back of the head with a toy gun while they were at Laurel Hill State Park in May, knocking him to the ground.
• Left the child alone or confined him to his room for hours when no adult was home.
• Used the marker to draw a mustache, goatee and large eyebrows on the boy, as well as covering his body with derogatory words.
Flick faces charges of aggravated assault, child endangerment, simple assault, reckless endangerment and furnishing alcohol to minors.
A preliminary hearing tentatively is scheduled for Tuesday before Cook.
Cox praised detectives, particularly Criminal Investigator Ruth Beckner.
“These types of investigations are not at all enjoyable for the officer,” Cox said. “They just about break your heart. Yet these investigators work through that to produce a solid investigation and prosecution.”
Local News
Father charged with abusing young son
- Local News
-
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Two of Cambria County’s 10 magisterial districts could be eliminated as President Judge Timothy Creany looks at realigning boundaries to cut costs while taking into consideration caseloads of the district judges and population changes.
-
Westmont couple inseparable, even in death
People who knew James and Marjorie Landis of Westmont said the two were nearly always together.
-
Company buys valuables from people ready to unload
Jan Hagerich’s buffalo nickel was “healthy” – which was unhealthy for her finances.
-
Blogging with heart
I was feeling overwhelmed yesterday, so today, I’m organizing my work. I have talked to probably a couple dozen people for Heart Month stories and I have pages and pages of notes.
-
Special Olympics return to region
More than 300 athletes eager to show off their skills, along with 135 coaches, will be coming to the region to take part in the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games.
-
Special Olympics Schedule
Here is a list of events related to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games through Tuesday at venues across the region:
Saturday
• Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics; Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell; registration at 9:30 a.m.; plunge at 1 p.m. -
Water rates going up to pay for line project
An estimated $9 million Windber Area Authority transmission line project will likely head toward construction late this summer.
-
Citizens eye cost-cutting measures
A total of 16 members of a concerned citizens group volunteered to serve on a committee to develop cost-saving ideas that will be presented to the Westmont Hilltop school board.
-
Critz co-sponsoring bills that support emergency responders
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown, said he is co-sponsoring several bills that support emergency responders.
-
IN BRIEF | Police investigating shooting of city man
State police in Indiana County are investigating the shooting of a Johnstown man late Tuesday or early Wednesday, authorities said.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
