Man arrested on child abuse charges

NITRO, W.Va.–A man was arrested Friday on child abuse charges after allegedly hitting his girlfriend’s young son.

The man, 28-year-old Thomas Wimer, is charged with child abuse resulting in injury after police say they responded to a child abuse case Thursday being handled by Child Protective Services. Police say that when they arrived at the Main Avenue home, they met with a CPS worker who informed them of possible child abuse.

The worker told authorities that the boy had injuries that tended to show he had been abused. The boy allegedly informed police that Wimer punched him in the stomach until he couldn’t breathe, made up excuses to punish him, and dropped him on the floor on top of his toys.

The boy also allegedly told authorities of an instance where Wimer covered his face with a pillow or covered his mouth. Wimer wasn’t there when police arrived, and his girlfriend said she wasn’t aware of any abuse. Police say she eventually kicked Wimer out.

Authorities took pictures of the boy’s injuries. He had several abrasions and scratch marks on his throat, shoulders, abdomen, and neck.

Police suspect that Wimer would watch his girlfriend’s two young sons while she was at work.