Vancouver police arrested a Longview man after a 5-year-old girl who was in his care died at a Portland hospital Friday night.

The child was unconscious and had suffered severe head trauma when an emergency medical crew arrived at the Madison Park Apartments in northeast Vancouver. EMS officials called Vancouver police as they prepared to transport the girl to a local hospital.

Ryan M. Burge, 37, told police he was watching his girlfriend's daughter when the girl injured herself during a temper tantrum.

The girl was first transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center but later transferred to Randall Children's Hospital in Portland due to the nature of her injuries. She died shortly after arriving.

Burge was arrested for second-degree murder. Officials have not released the name of the child and say the investigation is ongoing.

--Eder Campuzano | 503.221.4344

ecampuzano@oregonian.com