1-year-old in coma, father arrested on child abuse charges

APOPKA, Fla. — A 1-year-old girl is in a coma, and her father was arrested Friday on charges that he physically abused her, said Apopka police.

Rony Veus, 23, called 911 to report that his daughter was not breathing and did not have a pulse, police said. Officers found the girl unconscious at his home and drove her to a hospital.

Fire rescue said they told hospital staff they suspected child abuse.

Veus was interviewed by police, who said he confessed that he has thoughts of harming his daughter and feels relieved when he causes her pain or discomfort.

Veus also stated he has acted out on the thoughts of frustration by pulling her hair, pushing her onto the ground, throwing her onto the bed and forcing her to eat a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Veus also admitted he intentionally burned the top of his daughter’s foot with a cigar, police said.

The Department of Children and Families said it is ensuring the safety and welfare of the girl.

The child, whose name was not released, is in a coma and is bleeding in the brain.

Her condition is listed as guarded.

Veus was charged with aggravated battery on a child.

WFTV