Xavier Simonini, 29, of Newburyport, Mass., is accused of assaulting a nine-year-old child at a family gathering earlier this summer. Courtesy photo/Nashua Police Department

NASHUA – Xavier Simonini, 29, of Newburyport, Mass., was taken into custody on Sept. 6 in connection with a June incident involving the alleged assault of a child.

According to Nashua Police, officers responded to an undisclosed address in the city on June 10 to follow up on information they received from the state Division for Children, Youth and Families.

DCF allegedly reported that Simonini had pushed a nine-year-old child to the ground during a family gathering on June 8. The altercation happened after the child reportedly splashed Simonini with water.

The child was taken to Boston Children’s Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

It is unclear what the familial relationship is between Simonini and the child.

Simonini has since been charged with second degree assault.

Under state law, if convicted, Simonini could face up to seven years in prison, up to five years probation and a fine of up to $4,000.

Simonini was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned in Nashua District Court on Oct. 8.