$1M bail for man accused of putting newborn in freezer; child survives

TACOMA, Wash. – Bail has been set at $1 million for a 25-year-old Washington man accused of putting his six-week-old daughter in a freezer for about an hour to stop her crying.

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist says doctors believe the baby will survive but it’s too soon to know potential complications.

Tyler James Deutsch pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of child assault, criminal mistreatment and interfering with reporting of domestic violence.

The prosecutor says Deutsch fell asleep after putting the child in the freezer Saturday, then awoke and was removing the baby when the child’s mother returned.

He’s accused of taking the phone away when the mother tried to call for help from their trailer in Roy, Wash. The mother took the child and got neighbours to call police.

Prosecutors say the child also had a broken arm and leg and a head injury.