Toledoan accused of beating wife, son

5/10/2006

A North Toledo man was arraigned yesterday, accused of assaulting his wife and beating his 2-year-old son on the buttocks so often and so hard that the child was hospitalized for his injuries.

James Hatkowski, 21, of 410 West Alexis Rd., No. 47, was being held in lieu of a $501,000 bond on felony child endangering and misdemeanor charges of domestic violence and assault after his arrest Monday.

His son, James, was in fair condition in Toledo Hospital.

Mr. Hatkowski is accused of beating his son, who also had marks and bruises on his face from being slapped at the family's apartment, according to court records.

Mr. Hatkowski admitted to "disciplining" his son for not obeying him and overdoing it, and not realizing the injuries he was causing, the records state.

They indicate he also is accused of hitting, knocking down, and dragging his wife, Lorena, 19, by her hair.

Police went to the apartment about 7 p.m. Monday in response to a couple fighting. Mrs. Hatkowski told police her husband beat her up and has been abusing their son. Mr. Hatkowski fled before police arrived but returned to the home and was arrested.

The boy will go home with his mother when he is released from the hospital, Lucas County Children Services spokesman Rod Brandt said. He declined comment on whether the agency had prior contact with the family.