Teen Accused of Abusing Infant, Breaking Bones

A local teen has been arrested in connection with a large knot on a 6-week-old baby's head.

Cartersville Police Department Chief Tommy Culpepper said in a news release that Dustin Michael Lewis, 18, of Cartersville, was arrested following the Jan. 30 incident.

The child's mother took her to the emergency room at Cartersville Medical Center for treatment of the knot on her head. Further examination revealed the infant also had broken ribs, a fractured skull, a broken left tibula and a broken left femur.

The mom, also 18, told police her boyfriend was in the bedroom of a West Carter Street home, feeding the baby and he came into the living room, saying the baby had a small knot on her head, according to the incident report, attached. The next morning, the baby woke her screaming and crying as if in pain and the knot had enlarged, she said.

Police interviewed several individuals, but arrested Lewis, who was charged with cruelty to children and aggravated battery. He is currently in custody at the Bartow County jail.

The infant was placed in state custody for her safety and the investigation continues.

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