Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

A Pontiac man is in custody after authorities say his son went to a neighbor for help.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Cedric Diequell-Stevens Moore was arraigned on charges of second and fourth-degree child abuse on Monday.

The incident leading to his arrest occurred on Thursday night at his home on the 100 block of S. Edith Street. Moore allegedly left his 9-year-old and 1-year-old sons at home while he ran to the store. The 9-year-old left the home and asked for help from a neighbor, who called authorities.

“Upon their arrival, deputies observed multiple injuries on the boy, including welts to his torso and severe abrasions to his right eye and around his neck,” the press release said. “The boy told deputies that his father became angry with him because he fell asleep on the couch.’

According to the 9-year-old, Moore “beat him with a belt on his face, back legs and buttocks and struck him with a broom handle before choking him until he passed out.” He reportedly told his son “It’s gonna happen all night,” before he went to the store.

The 9-year-old also reportedly told deputies his brother was crying because he was hungry, and Moore “threw” the younger son into his crib. The press release said the 1-year-old had healed cigarette burns to his back and legs when he was examined.

“One of the worst things we see is horrific abuse to children,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “It cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held fully accountable and their children protected.”

The 9-year-old was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. His mother didn’t live in the home with Moore. The 1-year-old was placed with a relative by Child Protective Services. His mother is incarcerated, according to the press release.

Moore was arrested at the home of a relative later Thursday night. He reportedly told the relative he “had been ‘whooping’ his son for stealing.”

Moore is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Oakland County Jail.

(photo credit: OCSO)