SMITHTOWN, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Suffolk County Police arrested a heath care worker on Thursday for allegedly assaulting a disabled child under his care at a Port Jefferson residence.
It happened on Dec. 20, while working as a caregiver for the Christian Nursing Registry, 31-year-old Bruno Valenzuela was caring for a 5-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, officials said.
According to police, when the child began coughing and crying, Valenzuela reportedly slapped him aggressively in the back and chest, leaving the child with visible bruising.
The family sought medical treatment for the boy at Stony Brook University Hospital two days later, prompting an investigation by the Special Victims Unit.
Valenzuela was taken into custody at his Brentwood home and faces charges of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person and endangering the welfare of a child.
Valenzuela has since been terminated from his position at the Christian Nursing Registry.
Detectives are urging anyone who suspects other family members may have been victimized by Valenzuela to contact the Special Victims Section at 631-852-6184.