A Vader man faces allegations he assaulted a child in February.
Christopher M. Arruda, 47, is charged with one count of second-degree assault of a child, domestic violence, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Arruda has no felony convictions.
According to court documents, a Lewis County sheriff’s deputy observed photographs during the investigation that included red marks on the victim’s upper body, chest and ear.
The photos allegedly corroborated the victim’s account.
When contacted, Arruda reportedly “admitted to restraining” the child because he was “acting out,” according to court documents.
Law enforcement considered his version of events to be inconsistent with the observed injuries.
During Arruda’s preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday, Feb. 27, Judge J. Andrew Toynbee set bail at $50,000 cash or bond, less than the $500,000 requested by the state.
In making his request, Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer referenced a past criminal case in Thurston County that included a charge of unlawful imprisonment. Meyer indicated the charges had ultimately been dismissed by diversion, but said they showed “somewhat of a pattern.”
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller asked the court to not take any dismissed matters into consideration, and highlighted the fact that Arruda’s only conviction was for a gross misdemeanor in 1998. She noted that family were present in the courtroom.
Upon making his ruling, Toynbee said he understood why the state had asked for a high bail amount, but indicated he had to consider Arruda’s lack of history under the criminal rule.
The judge said $50,000 was still considered a high bail, one that had more to do with protecting the victim in the case. According to court documents, the child is 5 years old.
Toynbee entered both a domestic violence protection order on behalf of the victim for the duration of the case and an order for the defendant to surrender any dangerous weapons.
According to court documents, a temporary civil protection order and order to surrender weapons had already been entered by Commissioner Cailen Cecil on Feb. 26.
Arruda was scheduled to appear in court on March 5 to review his attorney status.
