Chekayla Dampier allegedly ran the water from the tap in her bathroom and held the baby under for two to three minutes. (MyFoxTampa.com)
A Florida mom was arrested after she allegedly put her seven-week-old baby under scalding-hot water as a form of punishment for his excessive crying, MyFoxTampaBay.com reports.
The station identifies the woman as Chekayla Dampier, from Port Richey, Fla. Dampier allegedly ran the water from the tap in her bathroom and held the baby under for two to three minutes, a spokesman Pasco Sheriff's Office said.
Dampier then brought the baby to a local clinic to be treated for burns, but the extent of injuries were so severe that the baby was transported by helicopter to Tampa General Pediatric Burn Unit, authorities said.
According to the complaint obtained by FoxNews.com, the baby suffered burns to the eyes, ears, head, chest and arms. The extent of damage has not been determined and the baby remains in critical condition, authorities said.
Dampier admitted to placing the baby in an infant wash tub and running the water, the complaint said. She demonstrated placing the baby's head directly under the spout and turning on the hot water, the complaint said.
She admitted that when she dried the baby, his skin was coming off and other parts of his skin was bubbling, the complaint said.
Sheriff's forensics took the temperature of the hot water and it registered at 142 degrees
Dampier faces aggravated child abuse charges over the alleged incident and is being held on $150,000 bond.
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