Eli Tomal, a 31-year-old man from Sumner, was booked into jail for assault of a child in the first degree.

According to charging documents from Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist   Tomal pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $75,000.

The alleged incident occurred Jan. 28 at Tomal’s home, where he resided with his girlfriend and her 1-year-old daughter.

Tomal was home alone with the child for approximately 15 minutes, according to court documents. Upon returning home, she attempted to wake the child who was reportedly breathing shallowly and throwing up but wouldn’t open her eyes. The mother called 911.

Both Tomal and his girlfriend claimed the child’s injuries were caused by falling onto a flashlight and hitting her head previously.

Surgeons determined however, that excessive shaking and violent force likely caused the hemorrhaging and skull fractures the child sustained.

The child received emergency surgery and was placed into protective custody following emergency surgery. At the time of press, court documents reported the victim suffers partial paralysis, lack of strength and limited speech. She receives nutrients through a feeding tube.