A quiet block in New Castle turned into an active crime scene Wednesday after a 3-year-old girl was found unresponsive and badly hurt inside a home, and an Ohio woman ended the day in handcuffs.
Police were called to the 1100 block of Broad Street near North 11th Street on a report of an unresponsive child, according to WTHR. Henry County authorities told the station the girl had "numerous injuries and bruising" and required emergency procedures after she was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital. She was listed in critical but stable condition.
Detectives interviewed two people of interest in New Castle and arrested one person from East Canton, Ohio, on a preliminary count of neglect of a dependent, according to WTHR.
Legal Context
Under Indiana law, "neglect of a dependent" covers behavior that puts a child in danger of harm or cuts them off from necessary support. The charge can range widely in severity, from a Level 6 felony up to a Level 1 felony in the most serious situations, depending on whether the alleged neglect led to bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death, per Indiana statute.
Investigation Moving Forward
Authorities say the investigation is still very much active and the person arrested has not been publicly identified while detectives continue gathering evidence, according to WTHR. Officials also have not released the name of the Indianapolis hospital treating the child. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who might know something about what happened to come forward.
How To Report
Anyone with tips or concerns about possible child abuse can contact the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556 or check the DCS website for help and resources, according to Indiana DCS. Local residents can also reach out directly to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office with information that could assist investigators.
