White Man arrested for trying to murder girlfriend's two-year-old daughter at her hospital bed after he 'beat her at her home'

Jacob Andrew Minton was arrested on attempted first-degree murder after attacking a child in her hospital room

A man tried to murder his girlfriend's two-year-old daughter after she was taken to hospital for injuries she suffered at her home, according to police.

Jacob Andrew Minton, from Wilkes County, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder for the attack on the toddler in her hospital room at 7.30am Sunday.

The 26-year-old is not related to the child but is said to have been in a relationship with the mother.

Winston-Salem Police Capt David Clayton said the girl was being treated for injuries she had suffered at her home in Wilkes County the night before.

He said investigators are trying to determine what injuries prompted the girl to be taken to the hospital initially.

She was airlifted by a medical helicopter at about midnight Saturday from a location in Wilkes County.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported that the toddler was in hospital for injuries sustained when Minton started beating her at her home.

Hospital employees called police about the attack on the girl who is now in stable condition at Brenner Children's Hospital.

Capt Clayton said the child's mother was interviewed about the incident.

Minton was being held in the Forsyth County Jail on $400,000 bail.

Police said Minton's criminal record in Wilkes County includes larceny, littering and driving while impaired.

A statement released by the hospital confirmed that this was not a random attack.

It said: 'Our hearts go out to the child who was the victim of this senseless act and to the child's family. Our primary focus at this time is the continued care and safety of the child.

'This was not a random act. Information released by the Winston-Salem Police Department clarifies that the man who was arrested was a friend of the patient's mother and was visiting the child with the mother's permission.

'A violent incident like this one is obviously very disturbing to our staff of committed caregivers. Our approach to safety is proactive and continuous. We have many policies and procedures in place -- as well as a well-trained security staff -- to protect our patients.

'We will be conducting a thorough review of this incident to ensure that we're doing absolutely everything within our power to protect our patien