A Lapeer man was arrested and charged with child abuse after a 17-month-girl was injured.
The child was brought into the hospital by her mother with life-threatening trauma injuries. Police say the trauma occurred at a residence on Nottingham Drive in Lapeer and abuse was suspected.
Police say the child's mother was staying at the residence for the past few months with a friend.
The friend's husband was alone watching the child and four additional children when the trauma occurred, police say. The married couple is the parents of three of the children present, and he was additionally watching the victim and a 3-year-old sibling. The oldest child was 5 years old and the youngest was one year old.
Deputies immediately responded to the residence. Police say the other four children did not have any injuries or trauma.
The adult watching the children, 28-year-old Emmanuel Castaneda, was arrested on Jan. 20. He was charged with child abuse, first degree and assault with intent to murder.
Police say all remaining children were immediately removed from the residence and temporarily placed with relatives.
The victim remains in critical condition with a life-threatening head injury.
