Williamson County man arrested in infant abuse investigation
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an aggravated battery case involving a two-month-old infant.
Authorities said deputies were contacted about 6:18 p.m. Friday by the Cambria Police Department, requesting assistance with a reported battery. Investigators located the infant at a local hospital, where the child was receiving medical treatment.
During the investigation, authorities recovered video evidence showing the incident occurred about 3:43 a.m. and was not immediately reported. After reviewing the video and conducting witness interviews, investigators identified the suspect as Dalton E. Ward.
Ward was located in the 600 block of South Elm Street in Cambria and taken into custody without incident, officials said.
According to investigators, the video shows Ward repeatedly forcing the infant to the ground from an elevated position and later restricting the child’s airway using his hand or arm.
Ward was cited for aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, under Illinois law. He was transported to and lodged in the Williamson County Jail.
The case has been forwarded to the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, and additional charges are anticipated.
Authorities said anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office. An arrest or charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
