CHANDLER, AZ — A Chandler man is accused of abusing a 3-month-old girl, causing two broken thighs, according to court documents.
Chandler police report that on October 21, Dalawn Raheem Caldwell, 26, was caring for a 3-month-old while his wife was working. Around noon that day, Caldwell sent a video to his wife showing the baby drinking and wiggling her toes.
Court records show that when the mother got home, the baby was fussy and inconsolable. The next morning, she reportedly noticed that the baby's legs were swollen.
The baby was taken to Cardon Children's Hospital where doctors reportedly told police that she had two fractured femurs, a broken rib, a lacerated liver, and scratches to the inside of her throat.
When questioned, Caldwell allegedly told police that caused the injuries by grabbing the baby's legs and forcing them into her stomach. Police say Caldwell also admitted to abusing the child on two other occasions, where he allegedly squeezed and strangled her.
He is being held on a $100,000 bond on nine counts of child abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused, the Arizona Department of Child Services has resources available to report the issue to a social worker. You can call the Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445), and will be asked for information about the child, as well as the nature of your concerns. You can also get more information from DCS about reporting abuse or neglect online.
