A 23-year-old Auburn man pleaded not guilty Jan. 13 at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent to committing first-degree child assault on his 4-month-old son.

According to court papers filed in King County Superior Court, Clifton Haugen allegedly shook and beat his infant son so severely the baby now suffers from seizures and could be permanently blinded.

Haugen’s next court appearance will be Jan. 28 in Room GB at the RJC, where he is now incarcerated. The purpose of his appearance will be to set a trial date.

According to charging papers, Haugen called 911 on Dec. 28, requesting aid for the baby. Haugen allegedly told the dispatcher that his son was having difficulty breathing, appeared limp and was unresponsive.

Valley Regional Fire Authority and medics responded to Haugen’s residence. The child was transported to Valley Medical Center, where medical staff advised police that they suspected the child’s injuries were sustained through abuse, according to the report.

According to court papers, a physician said the child had a bilateral subdural hemotoma and numerous broken ribs, including new and old fractures, according to the report. The child was then transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to charging papers, Haugen told his girlfriend, the child’s mother, that on the morning of Dec. 28 he fell down the stairs while holding the baby.

The woman told Auburn police that while she was in the shower, her boyfriend was taking care of the infant boy. Haugen entered the bathroom and gave the child to the mother. The woman told police that the infant “was gasping for breath, unresponsive and limp,” court papers said.

Haugen was arrested by Auburn police on Dec. 30. Haugen has prior convictions for third-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, stalking, burglary and possession of marijuana.