BARABOO, WI – A Portage police officer is facing felony charges after authorities say he seriously injured his 6-month-old son while trying to quiet the baby’s cries, leaving the child with multiple injuries, including a brain bleed.
Cameron Coronado, 32, was arrested earlier this week in Sauk County. He is charged with child abuse intended to cause bodily harm, along with disorderly conduct flagged as a domestic abuse offense, according to state court records.
The criminal complaint details an incident that reportedly took place inside the family’s home in the early hours of August 16. Around 3 a.m., Coronado’s wife reportedly woke to feed their infant son, who was crying. After Coronado brought the baby to the kitchen, the mother told investigators she heard him shout an expletive, demanding the child be quiet.
Moments later, the mother said the tone of the baby’s cries changed. When she entered the kitchen, she allegedly found Coronado wiping blood from the infant’s mouth. She told authorities Coronado confessed to forcefully pushing a pacifier into the baby’s mouth, causing visible cuts.
According to the complaint, the child struggled to swallow and continued to cry after briefly falling asleep. When his mother insisted on seeking medical attention, she said Coronado became visibly distressed and referenced the likely consequences if the baby went to a hospital.
Hospital staff reported finding multiple injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including external marks and a bleed in the baby’s brain. Medical personnel contacted law enforcement, initiating the investigation.
During interviews with detectives, Coronado’s wife described his frequent difficulty managing frustration, especially with their children. She cited previous outbursts, including punching holes in the wall and making troubling threats when the children were upset.
Following his arrest, the Portage Police Department placed Coronado on paid administrative leave, according to city officials. The department’s chief said the allegations do not reflect the behavior of the broader force.
A special prosecutor has been appointed to pursue the case, given Coronado’s position in law enforcement. During a court appearance Wednesday, Coronado’s bond was set at $10,000 cash. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 3.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. The child’s current medical status was not disclosed by officials. No additional arrests have been made in connection to the case.