A Russellville man is behind bars for allegedly shaking his three-month-old son and causing severe injuries to the child.
Jacinto Castro Zacarias, 24, 300½ Madison St., Russellville, was arrested for aggravated child abuse on Monday, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.
According to Hargett, investigators received information from the Franklin County Department of Human Resources the week of Oct. 15 that a three-month-old male infant had been admitted to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said after meeting with hospital personnel, a criminal investigation was opened and actions were taken to place the child in the custody of DHR.
“We were informed the infant had suffered a subdural hematoma and a retina tear, which the doctors told us could only be sustained by the child being shaken,” Lowery said.
“Throughout the course of the investigation, Mr. Zacarias was developed as a suspect and warrants were issued for his arrest.”
Lowery said Zacarias was taken into custody Monday morning but officials are currently working to determine if Zacarias is in the country legally.
Lowery said once that determination has been made, he will be transferred to the Franklin County Jail and held on a $50,000 bond.