He said the injuries to a 2-year-old were caused by a pet. Police said it was abuse.

A man told daycare workers the injuries to a 2-year-old were caused by a pet. But police said he was the abuser and now he faces criminal charges.

Last week, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office in Florida arrested Shane Harrison Cohen in connection to a child abuse case.

Police said Cohen dropped off a 2-year-old in his care at daycare when a staff member saw him acting strange. Cohen brought the victim inside and then said the victim had injuries to their chest that were caused by a pet.

Initially, staff only saw minor scratches and red marks, but they worsened, according to the sheriff’s office.

Workers then observed extensive bruising on the victim’s face, torso and buttocks, according to the sheriff’s office. Employees called the authorities who took the child for an exam. Officials determined the injuries were caused by abuse.

Detectives spoke with Cohen and he admitted to the abuse. He said he saw the injuries before taking the child to daycare, according to the sheriff’s office.

Cohen was charged with aggravated child abuse and was booked into jail. He is being held without bond.