Hesperia man accused of placing girlfriend's 4-month-old baby in coma

HESPERIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A four-month-old Hesperia baby was in a coma after his mother's boyfriend allegedly struck him in the head multiple times, San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies said.

On April 8, 24-year-old Tyron Bookman called 911 about an infant who was having difficulty breathing. Authorities responded to the 11300 block of Tamarisk Avenue and took the baby to a hospital, where it was found he had a fractured skull.

The baby had severe head injuries and a bruise to the tip of his penis. He was listed in critical condition.

Deputies later discovered that the baby's mother had left him and his 3-year-old sister with Bookman while she ran errands. Investigators believe during that time, Bookman struck the baby.

"Forensic pediatricians determined the infant's subdural hematoma was found to be consistent with sudden acceleration and deceleration. The infant's injuries are consistent with inflicted child abuse," San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said in a news release.

On April 10, Bookman was booked for child abuse causing a coma and was scheduled to appear in court on April 27. His bail was set at $500,000.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Det. Jason Frey or Sgt. Dana Foster at the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615.