An Oskaloosa man is facing a felony charge after authorities say a young child suffered visible injuries during a reported incident inside the family’s home.
The Oskaloosa Police Department was contacted by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services on May 15 at approximately 1:53 p.m. regarding a child abuse investigation.
According to a criminal complaint, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Parkview Lane and learned the incident allegedly occurred on April 30 at around 8:16 p.m.
Court documents state that Christopher Eckles, 35, of Oskaloosa, was attempting to help his 2-year-old child get ready for bed and brush their teeth when the child refused to cooperate. Authorities allege Eckles struck the child with an open hand, leaving a large bright-red handprint and welts on the child’s left buttock and lower back.
Following an investigation, Eckles was taken into custody and transported to the Mahaska County Jail. He was later released after posting a $5,000 cash/surety bond.
A no-contact order was filed on May 16 prohibiting Eckles from having contact with his two children.
Eckles is charged with child endangerment causing bodily injury, a Class D felony. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 3.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
