Man Accused of Assaulting Mom, Newborn in Calif. Hospital Arrested

The suspect was allegedly upset because the mother of his newborn was breastfeeding in front of a male doctor.

A man who’s been wanted for battering his female partner and newborn child in a California hospital in September was arrested Monday.

Rafael Orozco, 22, was booked into the Taos County jail and charged with child abuse, battery on a household member and battery on a health care worker.

Police say Orozco’s girlfriend had just given birth to their child in Holy Cross Hospital Sept. 21 when he punched the new mother in the mouth and grabbed her by the throat because he was angry she was breastfeeding in front of a male doctor, reports The Albuquerque Journal.

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Orozco also allegedly slapped the baby before a hospital security officer attempted to restrain him. Orozco was able to escape the hospital when he hit the security officer in the ribs and reached for his side claiming he had a gun.

Following the incident, the hospital was locked down Sept. 21 and briefly on Sept. 22.

Orozco was taken into custody in Rio Arriba County. The details of Orozco’s arrest have not been released.

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