Fulton Township, PA – A Fulton Township man accused of violently throwing a five-year-old girl onto a bed, resulting in a broken arm, will stand trial in county court following a preliminary hearing held last week.
Edward Cummings, 40, is charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children in connection with the December 2024 incident at a residence on the 300 block of Black Barren Road. On August 12, Judge William Mankin ruled the case could proceed to the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, Cummings allegedly became angry when the child began playing with a cat and dog instead of going to sleep. Witnesses told police that in response, he picked up the child and threw her onto a bed with such force that it fractured her elbow.
The girl was taken to a hospital the following day after complaining of pain. Doctors determined her elbow was broken and placed her in a cast. Two eyewitnesses, along with the victim, told investigators the incident occurred during a bedtime dispute. At the time, the child’s mother told doctors the injury resulted from a fall, later telling police she feared how Cummings might react if she told the truth.
The victim’s mother has since obtained a protection from abuse order against Cummings.
Cummings remains held in Lancaster County Prison on $2 million bail. His attorney’s request to reduce the bail to $200,000 was denied by Judge Mankin. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo is prosecuting the case. The charges were filed by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Edward Zema.
Cummings is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
