Man threw toddler onto Chihuahua, killing dog, Altoona police say

by Ryan Graffius

Tuesday, May 28th 2024

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) —

Authorities in Blair County say a man is facing charges after he was accused of abusing a young child and a dog by throwing said child onto the animal and killing it.

Altoona police say officers were dispatched to the Evergreen Manors apartment complex, on the night of May 25th, after a witness reported seeing a man assaulting an 18-month-old child.

Police say the witness was reportedly in the parking lot of the apartment complex and was able to see through an open bedroom window where the man was allegedly holding the child and "repeatedly striking" it.

Investigators say the man then reportedly "threw" the toddler into a Pack-n-Play.

Police say when officers arrived on scene, the child had numerous visible injuries to its cheeks, back and forehead, and was transported to UPMC Altoona.

Authorities say the man, identified as 34-year-old Bryan Morales Gracia, allegedly threw the child with such force that it landed on top of a Chihuahua and killed it.

Police noted that the dog and the child were often in the Pack-n-Play together.

Officials say Gracia faces a variety of charges, including aggravated assault, child endangerment, reckless endangerment and cruelty to animals.

He is being held at the Blair County Prison on $25,000 bail.

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