Hennepin County Mike Freeman spoke with media Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 about the first-degree assault charge against Ticortier Collins, 21, of Minneapolis. Collins' daughter had fractured ribs and pelvis and traumatic brain injury. Peter Cox | MPR News

A Minneapolis man has been charged after a 20-month old was hospitalized with fractured ribs, severe brain injuries, and a lacerated kidney and spleen.

Ticourtier Collins, 21, was charged with first-degree assault in Hennepin County Court on Friday.

The complaint against Collins said he was caring for his daughter Sunday, then brought her to the hospital after the toddler was injured while playing at another home.

Collins' story changed several times. According to the complaint, he also told the child's mother he did not witness the injury. Collins told doctors and police that the little girl bumped heads with another child while playing. In another version in the complaint, he told a friend he'd left the child home alone while he went to buy marijuana.

Doctors said the child had extensive bruising and that the injuries were not consistent with a fall or play injury. They concluded the girl had severe abusive head trauma. The complaint says her developmental prognosis is "guarded."

The girl, who was not named in the complaint, is still in the hospital.

Freeman said prosecutors are seeking a tougher sentence, because of the child's vulnerability, the cruelty of the attack and Collins' position of authority.

"How anyone can treat their own child this way just passes all understanding," Freeman said. "We're going to get justice for this child. And we are going to make sure the message goes out that you can't treat your kid that way."

Collins remains in custody.