Injured infant’s sister told police his father assaulted him

A Las Vegas man abused his 3-month-old son by hitting, shaking and even placing him in a freezer as punishment, Las Vegas police were told by the baby's 5-year-old sister.

According to Randy James Thomsen's arrest report, the 25-year-old was arrested June 24 and charged with child abuse with substantial bodily harm after hospital X-rays revealed skull and rib fractures on the baby boy that were inconsistent with Thomsen's statement about what had taken place.

Thomsen told investigators his son was injured in late May when he rolled off a couch and onto the carpeted floor of the family's Budget Suites apartment on North Rancho Drive, the report said.

Thomsen and the baby's mother did not take the boy to doctors until June 9, more than a week after he was injured, the report said. The mother, who told police she was not present when her son was hurt, has not been charged.

Doctors told police the baby's injuries could not have been caused by a fall from a crib or a couch, as Thomsen said. Forceful squeezing, a fall down the stairs, or the chest being stepped on were given as possible causes for the injuries, the report said.

The boy's half-sister was interviewed by child welfare and law enforcement investigators on separate occasions.

In both interviews, the girl told investigators she was afraid of Thomsen, although he never struck her or her mother.

The girl told police she saw Thomsen cover the baby's mouth with his hand and threaten him to make him stop crying. She also told police she witnessed Thomsen kick the boy and "hit him hard" in the chest and head, the report said.

She also told police she saw Thomsen put the baby in the freezer and shut the door for a short time. She told police that happened when her mother was at work and "it made her sad when Randy (Thomsen) did these things" to her brother.

According to the report, recent X-rays show the baby's injuries are healing.

Christine Skorupski, spokeswoman for the Clark County Department of Family Services, said both children have been taken into protective custody, but she could not comment further on the case.

According to court records, Thomsen has previously been charged with battery with a deadly weapon, attempted murder with a deadly weapon and assault with a deadly weapon.

He also has been convicted of several other felonies, including burglary and grand larceny. His police report said he is a documented gang member also known as "Casper."

Thomsen is at the Clark County jail on $20,000 bail. His preliminary court hearing is scheduled for July 14.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.