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WEST JORDAN — A man has been arrested after police say his 4-month-old son was determined by doctors to have injuries consistent with "textbook child abuse."
Sergio Medrano-Lugo, 23, was booked Wednesday into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of aggravated child abuse.
On Jan. 26, West Jordan police were notified that a 4-month-old boy was at Primary Children's Hospital with a brain bleed. Medrano-Lugo told police the boy had taken a 2-foot fall off a couch onto a carpeted floor. But doctors said based on the brain bleed the child had, "injuries were inconsistent with how the suspect stated (his son) had fallen from the couch. Medical personnel reviewed the (brain) scan and injuries with several other staff members and stated the injuries observed were textbook child abuse," according to a police booking affidavit.
The brain bleed covered almost one whole side of the brain, the affidavit states.
"A 2-foot fall from a couch onto carpet does not match up with that big of a bleed. There was also no skull fracture to show that there was force," according to the affidavit. "I asked medical staff what the most common thing would be to explain (the boy's) injuries and they stated, shaking the baby."
Doctors say injuries that "could be old and new" were also found.
When questioned by police, Medrano-Lugo again said the boy fell off of a couch.
"When I asked the suspect who I should believe when I had him telling me (the boy) fell and doctors stating it's child abuse, he stated he would believe the doctors because they're the ones that see things on the computers," according to the affidavit.
Police noted the boy was "stable" at the hospital, but "any brain injury has the potential to cause lasting damage that may not be apparent for months to years after the event."
Child abuse resources:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online: udvc.org. The statewide child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-855-323-DCFS (3237).
- The Utah Division of Child and Family Services offers counseling, teaches parenting skills and conflict resolution and can connect families with community resources. Its goal is to keep children with their family when it is "possible and safe." Visit dcfs.utah.gov/contact-us/ or call 801-538-4100.
- The Christmas Box House acts as a temporary shelter for children and can provide them with new clothing and shoes, among other services. Call the Salt Lake office at 801-747-2201 or the Ogden office at 801-866-0350.
