The 5-year-old boy is in critical condition with broken ribs and internal bleeding, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

ST. PETERSBURG – Police have accused a man of physically abusing a 5-year-old child who was in his care.

John Gerald Whelan, 41, of St. Petersburg, was charged with one count each of aggravated child abuse with great bodily harm and child neglect, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Fire rescue and police were called to a St. Petersburg home about 7:42 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 10) for a 5-year-old boy who was having medical issues. When he arrived at All Children’s John Hopkins Hospital, police said, doctors discovered numerous physical injuries and officers were called to investigate.

The child had bruising and trauma to the face, rib fractures, internal bleeding and damage to organs. He remains in critical condition this morning (Aug. 11), police said.

Investigators say Whelan struck the boy in the head and abdomen with his closed fist. The abuse occurred over the last several months and Whelan did not seek medical attention for the child.

For information about the St. Petersburg police, go to police.stpete.org.

St. Petersburg Police | Crime | Child Abuse | Arrests | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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