A Richmond Hill man was arrested Feb. 12 for child cruelty.

Justin Alan Parfitt was charged with first-degree cruelty to children, which is a felony, obstruction and hindering a law enforcement officer after a 22-month-old boy in his care was found with injuries to his face, back and buttocks, according to the Richmond Hill Police Department.

According to an RHPD incident report, Parfitt’s arrest followed an investigation that began when RHPD Officer Nicholas Paris was dispatched to a home at 276 Cherokee St. shortly before 7:30 p.m. regarding possible child abuse.

There, Paris saw Bryan County EMS escorting the complainant and her 22-month-old child to an ambulance.

“Bryan County EMS advised that (the victim) had substantial bruises on his back and face,” the report states.

As Paris spoke with the child’s mother, he also noticed the boy had “significant” bruises, and the boy’s mother told the officer he had been in the care of Parfitt, who reportedly had barricaded himself inside the home.

Paris was able to convince Parfitt to let him in, but after asking what had happened “to the baby that was outside in the ambulance,” Parfitt ordered him out of the houseand slammed the door in his face, the police report said.

Paris and RHPD 1st Sgt. Michael Fowler were eventually able to take Parfitt into custody, the report said, but only after “significant resistance and violent behavior against (Fowler).”

Four other juveniles in the house and who were not injured were released to family members.