A Schuylkill County man is facing a felony charge after police say they uncovered evidence of serious injuries to his 7-week-old son that they believe are consistent with child abuse.
Tyler Bush, 20, of Tamaqua, is charged with endangering the welfare of children following an investigation that began earlier this month when a Schuylkill County Children & Youth caseworker alerted Tamaqua Police about suspected abuse.
According to court records, the caseworker reported that a baby had been diagnosed with multiple injuries, including broken ribs and a spiral fracture to one leg. Police say these injuries are consistent with abuse.
Bush voluntarily met with police on May 9 for an interview. During the conversation, he discussed his upbringing, his relationship with the child’s mother, and the recent birth of their child in March. After being read his Miranda rights, Bush allegedly told investigators that he had not felt ready for fatherhood and described the infant as frequently “fussy.”
Police say Bush disclosed his own mental health history, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, and said he had previously stopped taking medication prescribed for those conditions.
According to investigators, Bush described two incidents that took place on May 5. In one, he said the baby was on his chest when he slid him up onto his shoulder. When attempting to reposition the baby by the leg, he reportedly heard a popping sound followed by the baby crying.
Later that day, as the child had run a fever and was being prepared for a hospital visit, Bush allegedly said he heard a second pop while dressing the infant.
At the hospital, X-rays revealed both a new leg fracture and another that appeared to be healing. Police say Bush did not provide an explanation for the older injury.
Bush was arraigned before District Magistrate Judge Stephen Bayer on Wednesday afternoon. Bayer set bail at $10,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for late-June.
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