Police: Man critically injures toddler

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WISH) - What began as a call to medics for a child injured in a fall quickly changed.

"He did admit to the fact that he had struck the child, injuring him," Sgt. Paul Thompson, spokesman for IMPD, said.

Now a toddler is in critical condition, and a man faces felony charges for aggravated battery.

Police said 30-year-old Ayrick Steele was in his apartment with his girlfriend and their combined four children, who range from 2-months to 7-years-old.

"Apparently the man was trying to apply some type of ointment to the child for some type of injury or illness," Thompson said. "The child resisted that effort, and he reacted by either striking or throwing the child into the wall."

The victim, the 1-year-old son of Steele's girlfriend, was brought to Riley Hospital where he was rushed into emergency surgery for head trauma.

Now Steele is in police custody, while his two children are with other family members.

The 2-month-old child in the apartment belongs to the mother of the victim, 23-year-old Crystal Dobbs.

That child is now in CPS custody.

"We are continuing to look into the situation as well as the welfare of the other children that were present in the house at the time of the incident," Thompson said.

Police continue to investigate whether Steele has a history of violence or domestic disturbances.

The toddler's mother, Crystal Dobbs, is currently not facing any charges.

At last check, the child is still listed in critical condition.