Man, 23, allegedly slaps 1-year-old girl
A Valencia man has been accused of slapping a 15-month-old girl.
Adams Township Police on Tuesday arrested Kevin A. Vickinovac, 23, and charged him with felony aggravated assault and child endangerment as well as misdemeanors of simple assault and reckless endangerment.
Following his arraignment by District Judge Sue Haggerty, Vickinovac was placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail, which he posted Wednesday.
“(Butler County Children and Youth Services) observed bruises on the victim's face, her cheek and forehead and also to both of her outer thighs,” said the investigating detective in charging documents.
Police received a Childline report Tuesday from a mandated reporter. Police said Children and Youth Services received the report Sunday and visited the home of the girl the same day.
“The victim's mother and her boyfriend, Kevin Vickinovac, both said that the child fell out of bed,” police said. “The mother was at work at the time, and Kevin Vickinovac was taking care of her at the time.”
According to police, after examining the injuries, the service representative recommended a hospital visit, and the family obliged later that night, taking the girl to UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Investigators included a quote in the affidavit from the doctor who examined the girl. Police noted the injuries were photographed.
“The bruises are resulted from impact trauma,” the report said. “Her injuries are diagnostic of physical child abuse. She experienced substantial pain at the time the injuries were inflicted.”
Police said they visited the home, and Vickinovac allowed them to take photographs of the bed from which the girl allegedly fell. Police said Vickinovac also agreed to an interview at the police station.
“Kevin maintained that 'the baby' fell off the bed,” police said. “Eventually, when he was confronted with the photographs and inconsistencies, he admitted that he hit her with an open hand.”
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 17 before District Judge Wayne Seibel.
