Authorities said they are searching for a man accused of pouring hot coffee on a baby boy, causing serious injuries.
In a joint statement, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Saturday said investigators “remain committed to securing justice for the infant” more than 17 months after he was attacked in Australia.
The agencies said they have been “working tirelessly with our international partners” to track down the suspect, who left Australia four days after the alleged incident.
Baby burned in hot coffee attack; Suspect now believed to be in China, police say (Queensland Police Service/Australian Federal Police)
“Through these efforts, the location of the alleged offender is known to be in China,” authorities said in the statement.
“The AFP is working jointly with Chinese authorities on appropriate options to take this matter forward,” police added.
Police previously said a 9-month-old baby boy was with his family at Hanlon Park around midday on Aug. 27, 2024, when a stranger approached them and poured hot liquid onto the child before leaving the scene.
“Emergency crews were called, and the young boy was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries,” police said.
Authorities released surveillance video, which they said shows a man running from the scene moments after the alleged attack. He was described as approximately 30 to 40-years-old, “of a proportionate build, with tanned skin.”
Baby burned in hot coffee attack; Suspect now believed to be in China, police say (Queensland Police Service/Australian Federal Police)
A GoFundMe account that was set up for the baby and his family noted that the infant was previously hospitalized and treated for severe burns. The post noted that he will need ongoing scar treatment.
“This was a callous, random attack on my friends baby,” the creator of the GoFundMe noted. “He does not deserve this pain and suffering.”
As of Saturday afternoon, the GoFundMe raised more than $230,000.
“His family is so very grateful to the community for rallying around them in their time of need. Not only are the funds going towards [the baby’s] current and future treatments, it’s allowed his [mother] to seek out professional counselling at this time and has also allowed her the opportunity to be able to stay home with her son removing the financial burden of having to return to work at such a pivotal time in not only her life but in [the baby’s] healing,” according to the GoFundMe.
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Anyone who recognised the suspect — or who has any information that might help with the investigation — was urged to contact police.
