Nicholas Elliott, 22, was arrested Sunday on charges of cruelty to children and battery (family violence) after he allegedly injured a 2-year-old boy.

Officers responded to Wal-Mart at 11:47 a.m. regarding a 911 call reporting a complaint of child abuse which had reportedly occurred Saturday night.

Upon their arrival, officers found marks on the child, which spanned the boy’s back and stomach, from his waist to his chin.

Officers then contacted Elliott at his residence.

At this time, Elliott allegedly told authorities that he had disciplined the child for failing to use the bathroom appropriately.

The investigating officers, due to the areas which were struck and the presence of injuries, considered Elliott’s actions as being beyond those of discipline, which led to him being taken into custody.

Elliott was then transported to the Spalding County Jail, where he is being held pending a preliminary hearing.

The Spalding County Department of Family and Children Services also was notified of the incident and is involved in the case, assisting the victim.