Man accused of beating 5-month-old he was babysitting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A Woonsocket man accused of beating a 5-month-old he was babysitting has been charged with child abuse.

Woonsocket police say 25-year-old Kristofer Bernier has been charged with first-degree child abuse.

Police responding to a home on Sunday found the baby with facial bruising and a hematoma.

Bernier initially told police that the baby had fallen off a couch, but later said he “lost it” because the baby wouldn’t stop crying.

The baby was taken to a hospital.

The state Department of Children, Youth and Families is investigating.

Bernier was referred to the public defender’s office on Monday. It’s unclear if he’s been assigned an attorney who can comment on his behalf.

Bernier is a roommate of the child’s parents.