Indiana man accused of abusing grandsons on hikes

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Federal authorities have charged an Indiana man with child abuse after he allegedly forced his three young grandsons on brutal Grand Canyon hikes this month.

Authorities say Christopher A. Carlson, of Indianapolis, is accused of beating the boys, making them walk on ulcerated blisters, denying them food and water and forcing them to run up the trail under the intense sun.

A complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Flagstaff says rangers and passersby noted the alleged abuse by Carlson against the boys, ages 12, 9 and 8.

The Arizona Daily Sun says one of the hikes was 19 miles last weekend when temperatures reached 108 degrees at Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River.

Carlson remains in Coconino County Jail. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney.