BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A Ferndale man remains behind bars accused of assaulting a child in his care.

Spokesperson Riley Sweeney said that police were called to investigate the case at Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center on Thursday night, February 16th.

The child’s mother said that she had left her children with their stepfather the night before while she was at work.

One of the children later called her and claimed that the stepfather was hitting and choking a ten-year-old sibling for getting into some leftover cake.

The victim told investigators that the stepfather had also pulled him to the ground and sat on top of him, causing significant injuries.

Officers arrested 43-year-old Anthony Ashe on Friday, February 17th, on suspicion of 2nd degree assault of a child.