9-year-old boy in Md. allegedly handcuffed, beaten near death for taking a piece of birthday cake

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WJLA) -- A 9-year old boy in Hagerstown was allegedly handcuffed and beaten near death for taking a piece of birthday cake.

Police officers with the Hagerstown Police Department were called to a home in the 500 Lynne Haven Drive for a report of possible child abuse.

Upon arriving on scene, officers found a 9-year-old "unresponsive and not breathing".

The boy was transported to the Emergency Department of Meritus Medical Center where he was immediately admitted in critical condition with head trauma and pulmonary contusions.

Police said the boy had multiple bruises and contusions on his face, ears, neck, spinal column, abdomen and buttocks, some of which were in “varying stages of healing,” according to charging documents.

Police later discovered that an ambulance was previously requested at the same residence for a report of a child having difficult breathing. When EMS arrived, a woman approached them and said they were no longer needed.

The woman, later identified the boy's mother, told EMS that she had just arrived from work and that her son was just “congested” and declined to allow EMS to check on the boy.

#BREAKING: 9 yr old boy allegedly handcuffed and beaten near death for taking a piece of birthday cake. Mom's boyfriend charged. @ABC7News

— Brad Bell (@ABC7Brad) July 2, 2015

More information as this story unfolds.