BARABOO, WI – A Portage police officer is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he assaulted his infant son, allegedly causing severe injuries, including a brain bleed.

Cameron Coronado, 32, was taken into custody this week and charged with child abuse with intent to cause bodily harm and disorderly conduct with a domestic abuse modifier, according to court records filed in Sauk County. The charges stem from an incident reported early on Saturday, Aug. 16.

According to a criminal complaint, Coronado’s wife told investigators she woke up around 3 a.m. to feed their six-month-old son at home. She said Coronado also woke up and carried the baby into the kitchen. The infant reportedly continued crying while in the kitchen when Coronado allegedly lost his temper.

The baby’s mother described hearing Coronado shout at their son before the infant’s crying suddenly changed. Entering the kitchen, she said she saw Coronado cleaning blood from the child’s mouth. Confronted about the situation, Coronado allegedly admitted to forcefully pushing a pacifier into the baby’s mouth, which he claimed caused the bleeding. The mother said she noticed a cut at the back of the child’s throat, and after initially settling, the baby soon began crying again and appeared to have difficulty swallowing.

The mother later told a Sauk County detective about Coronado’s difficulties managing stress, particularly with the children at home. She provided details about previous outbursts, including incidents of punching holes in walls when frustrated. She also recounted a threat Coronado allegedly made in early July, during which he said he would “kill these [expletive] kids” if the crying did not stop.

After the incident in the kitchen, the mother insisted they seek medical attention for their son. The complaint says Coronado reacted with distress, stating he “knew what was going to happen” if they went to the hospital. At the medical facility, doctors identified multiple signs of blunt force trauma and a bleeding injury within the baby’s brain.

Upon Coronado’s arrest, Portage Police Department placed him on paid administrative leave, according to the department’s chief. The department emphasized that the actions attributed to Coronado do not represent its other officers.

The court has appointed a special prosecutor for the case. Coronado appeared in court Wednesday, where cash bond was set at $10,000. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 3.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the incident, and Coronado remains subject to the conditions of his release as the legal process moves forward.