BERLIN TOWNSHIP, PA — A 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly trying to kill a four-year-old child and the child’s mother.

Janine Edwards, Wayne County District Attorney, issued a press release that said the assault was perpetrated by Steven Frank Wojtowicz against Aiden Kresge, the child, and Kristie Young.

The Affidavit of Probable Cause filed by Pennsylvania State Trooper John Decker states that the assault began on the afternoon of November 7, at a home on Perkins Pond Road in Berlin Township.

The press release says, “It is alleged that Wojtowicz punched and slapped Kristie Young around after getting agitated. Wojtowicz then repeatedly hit and threw the child. Wojtowicz then threw the child head first into the arm of a couch, saying that he hoped the child’s neck would break.

“Wojtowicz made numerous other threats to Young regarding killing her and the child, including burying them in a shallow grave in the swamp behind the house. The attack on Young and the child started around 3:30 p.m. and lasted for approximately one hour.

“Wojtowicz left the residence and then returned to continue to punch the child and kick the child in the head and face. He also choked the child. The child suffered petechial hemorrhaging consistent with being choked. The child was first taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital, and then to Geisinger Children’s Hospital in Danville, PA for a safety check as a precaution.”

Wojtowicz was eventually located, arrested and arraigned. Bail was set at $500,000.