A Sedalia man is facing multiple felony charges after a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and a Pettis County deputy were dispatched in reference to an abuse of a child call in Houstonia on November 7.

A probable-cause statement says Pettis County Joint Communications was advised that Michael J. Hertel had just slapped a 1-year-old in the face/head, and the child was bleeding, and Hertel ran from the area.

Once on the scene, law-enforcement officers were told Hertel also slapped another child. Authorities noted the children had several areas on their faces and ears that were starting to bruise. Both faces had red marks that appeared to be from slapping.

Hertel, who also allegedly shoved another person’s head into a wall, later was located and arrested.

Court documents say Hertel is charged with two counts of a felony for abuse or neglect of a child- no sexual contact; and a felony for domestic assault in the third degree. Bond is set at $25,000 cash or surety.

Hertel was arraigned on November 8. His counsel-status hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 22, at Pettis County Circuit Court.