SAN ANTONIO – A man and his girlfriend have been arrested on child assault charges after the man’s 3-year-old son suffered third-degree burns when he was scalded in a hot water shower, authorities said.
Calvin Williams, 33, and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Kris Smith, were arrested this week.
An arrest warrant affidavit stated that San Antonio police believe Smith caused the injuries to the boy, who is two months shy of his fourth birthday.
Williams failed to seek medical help for his son for more than a week, the affidavit stated.
Police said they learned about the injuries Monday afternoon from Child Protective Services.
The affidavit stated that investigators spoke with several other children who were in the Northeast side motel room where the family lives.
One child told them that Smith got angry and purposely put the boy into a steaming hot shower on Saturday after he soiled his pants, the affidavit stated.
Police believe Smith even made that child cover the boy's mouth to prevent others in the motel from hearing his screams.
The boy suffered third-degree burns on his thighs and backside, according to the affidavit.
During questioning, Williams reportedly told police that Smith told him his son had burned himself.
However, police said he later admitted he knew the child couldn't have injured himself.
The affidavit stated that he told investigators he was afraid to report the injuries or get medical help for his son because Smith had threatened to have his children taken away from him.
Williams was arrested Monday on a charge of assault of a child by omission.
Smith faces a charge of assault of a child with the intent of serious bodily injury.