Columbia police arrest man accused of hitting toddler

UPDATE 1/5: Baker has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and assault.

According to the probable cause statement, Baker told officers he did not intend to hurt the child.

Court documents also state that Bake has multiple prior convictions, such as burglary, domestic assault, assault and animal cruelty.

ORIGINAL STORY: Columbia police arrested Michael Baker after officers were dispatched to Aldi’s in the 800 block of Business Loop 70 West for an assault that occurred in the parking lot.

Police said that Baker and another man were involved in a verbal altercation. The other man told officers he was trying to put his 2-year-old son into the back seat of his car when Baker attempted to strike him with a closed fist.

Officers said Baker grazed the right side of the man’s face and struck the 2-year-old.

Police said they saw a small cut to the 2-year-old’s nose and right eye.

Baker faces possible charges of endangering the welfare of a child and assault.