Man arrested for severe toddler beating

BARSTOW • A Barstow toddler is still recovering Monday after the child was badly beaten, suffering broken bones and deep bruising, allegedly at the hands of his father, police said.

Anthony Carmona, 41, of Barstow was arrested Friday after police investigated severe injuries of a two-year-old boy brought to Barstow Community Hospital.

The child was treated for a broken leg, several contusions and bruising to his head, back and legs, according to a report by the Barstow Police Department. He was later transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center for additional treatment because of the extent of his injuries.

The victim’s mother called police at 2:51 p.m. Friday from the emergency room. She told police she was at work when the injuries took place at their home on the 700 block of Dolph Court. Investigating officer Jose Barrientos determined Carmona inflicted the child’s injuries.

Carmona told police he disciplined the child by spanking him, though he denied causing the injuries. He said the child was injured from falling. Carmona’s statement was not consistent with the injuries found on the child, the report said.

Carmona was arrested and booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Jail in Barstow for felony child abuse. He is being held at West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $100,000 bail.

The police report said Carmona has previously been convicted for child abuse. A search of court records showed a man named Anthony Carmona was convicted for child abuse and battery in Barstow and assault with a deadly weapon in Victorville.

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