Father Stands Accused of Putting Infant in Coma, Authorities Said

A 21-year-old man was arrested Saturday after his 10-week-old infant lapsed into a coma likely caused by a number of brain injuries that authorities suspect were caused by the father.

The child is being cared for at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Her father, Cesar Pedroza, of Big Bear Lake, could face a charge of assault on a child, causing coma, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s news release.

He was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. His bail was set at $500,000. He was also found to have an outstanding misdemeanor traffic warrant, officials said.

The infant became critically ill on March 2 while Pedroza was home taking care of her and his two other children, ages 4 and 2, sheriff’s officials said. He called 9-1-1 after the infant reportedly stopped breathing while he fed her formula.

The child was rushed to Bear Valley Community Hospital and later transferred to Loma Linda. A medical exam by a forensic pediatrician at the medical center found the baby had extensive brain trauma, authorities said.

On March 4 detectives from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station and the Crimes Against Children Detail questioned and arrested Pedroza, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives ask anyone with information to call the Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children Division at (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are may call the We-tip Hotline at (800)782-7463 or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.