Father charged with abusing son with developmental disabilities

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — A Columbus father is locked up on $500,000 bond after being accused of abusing his three-year-old son who has cerebral palsy.

Eddie Brooks, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday morning at Nationwide Children's Hospital after staff members noticed injuries not consistent with accidental trauma.

Court documents state the developmentally disabled child had facial injuries, including marks and lacerations on his face, swelling in the face and eye, and several broken bones.

"That's not like him," said Brenda Brooks, the mother of the suspect. "I have never known him to beat a child."

Brooks told police he never hurt his child, and believe the injuries may have happened from an accident, or while he was doing leg and arm exercise with his son to treat the child's cerebral palsy.

Franklin County Children's Services would not comment on the case, but do say they are investigating the incident and working to ensure the safety of the child.