Suspect Accused of Felony Battery to Child After SRO Finds Injuries

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect is facing a felony battery charge in a case involving a child.

On April 1, a school resource officer in Jonesboro advised police a child had multiple injuries to both arms, according to the probable cause affidavit. The child complained of the injuries hurting.

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The child told police he had gotten in trouble the day before and his “foster parent” retrieved a stick and started hitting him multiple times, causing injuries to both arms. There were old injuries as well as new injuries reported on the child’s body, the affidavit said. There was a whelp with broken skin that crossed the pelvis to the hip.

The child told authorities the defendant often hit him.

DHS was contacted and took custody of the child.

Byron Howard Baker, 29, of Jonesboro, was arrested for Second-Degree Domestic Battering, a Class B felony. The charge is a felony if the alleged victim’s age is over 60 or under 12.

A $50,000 cash or surety bond was set for Baker on Wednesday by Judge David Boling, with a no-contact order added. His next court date is May 22. Jail records show a non-payment of fines warrant for Baker, in addition to a hold from outside agencies.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.