DC dad charged in connection to 5-year-old son's death

WASHINGTON - A D.C. man has been charged in connection with his son’s death, D.C. authorities confirmed Monday.

DeAndre Pettus, 32, of northwest D.C. is facing a charge of aggravated assault after authorities found his 5-year-old son unresponsive and unconscious at a Connecticut Avenue NW apartment complex Sunday morning. 

MPD Chief Pamela Smith confirmed to reporters Monday, the suspect arrested in this case is the little boy’s father.

"Our condolences go out to the family of the five-year-old with his mother, and grandmother. This young man was also a student at one of our schools, so this is certainly a tragedy and it just doesn’t impact his family, but it impacts those who have relations with him in our community," Chief Smith said.

READ MORE: Police investigating after 5-year-old found dead in DC

As of this writing, the victim’s name has not been released. 

Rita Powell lives nearby and teaches elementary school-aged children.

"My whole life has been about taking care of the community and taking care of children. You can do everything you possibly can when they’re at school, but you cannot protect them from people who can hurt them at home and that’s your biggest fear," Powell said. "You don’t know what’s on the other side of the wall. A 5-year-old is so young. It’s so cruel. So cruel. It’s awful."

Man charged in connection with death of 5-year-old in DC

Powell added she is a mother herself.

"We teach children to be safe around each other and teach them respect and safety at all times. You can only do so much to protect the kids, but you never think they could be involved and hurt their own child," she said. "I have two children. My kids are 8 and 10, and I couldn’t imagine ever hurting them. I hurt when they scrape their knee. I hurt when they get bullied at school. I couldn’t imagine physically hurting my child."

According to the police report, the little boy suffered "non-accidental trauma" to his body. However, police have not disclosed what kind of injuries he sustained.