Linn County Man Accused of Throwing Child into Firepit

A Linn County man is accused of throwing a child into a fire pit over the weekend.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says on Saturday morning, dispatch received a call of a juvenile who had received severe burns to his head and shoulder. The callers, who were at the Palo splash pad, said the juvenile came from a home at 1003 1st Street in Palo. 

When deputies arrived, they determined a juvenile had received burns when a man shoved him into a fire pit. The juvenile was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to be treated for his injuries. 

The male suspect was identified as 42-year old Christopher Wayne Maas of Palo. Deputies made entry into the house at 1003 1st Street, but were unable to locate Maas.

Maas turned himself in at the Cedar Rapids Police Station on Sunday. He was taken into custody and charged with Interference with Official Acts and Child Endangerment Resulting in Injury. 

The investigation is ongoing.