Man Facing Charges For Alleged Abuse Of Child With Autism
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A warrant has been issued for a man accused of physically abusing his 12-year-old step-son, who has autism.
About a year ago, Pittsburgh Police said Christian Phillips pleaded guilty to assaulting his step-son.
Now, 35-year-old Christian Phillips is accused of doing it again.
The child said Phillips abused him to the point where he no longer feels safe staying at his mother's house in Crafton Heights.
The child told investigators that Phillips punched and hit him in his mother's bedroom in January.
The boy says Phillips punched his face and head, bent his fingers backward and exposed his buttocks to the child.
The most recent incident was reported to police after the child told his father, who was given full custody after first abuse case.
Neighbors said the boy is sweet, but could tell something might be wrong because his mood would change when he would play outside.
"You can't be with somebody if you're not going to accept their kids and treat them exactly like you would if they were your own kids," neighbor Telisha Dennis said.
KDKA-TV's Christine D'Antonio spoke with Phillips on the phone today. He said he wasn't aware there was a warrant out for his arrest and claimed the charges had already been dropped.
According to police, the warrant was issued Thursday, but Phillips is not yet in custody.
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