KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo - Altus babysitter charged with child abuse
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ALTUS, Okla. - A babysitter, hired to take care of a four-month-old baby, has been arrested on suspicion of child abuse after Altus Police say she fractured the baby's skull.
Altus Police arrested Kendra Rendon late Monday night. Rendon had a private home day care on Altus Air Force Base. She cared for three children, one of whom was the four-month-old boy.
Altus Police Det. Mike Turner says the baby boy was beaten so badly, many at the police department were not sure if the baby was going to make it to Oklahoma City to get live-saving treatment, but the baby did.
Turner has been working on the case since last Wednesday. That is when they first received the call from the hospital.
"We got to the hospital; the staff informed us the child suffered a skull fracture and internal bleeding of the brain," said Turner.
He says the injuries were so severe they could not chance the drive to Oklahoma City.
"They ended up calling in an aircraft that landed at the Altus Municipal Airport and EMS had to transport the child from the hospital to the airport. The PD gave escort for the ambulance to get it there, said Turner, "There was some concerns about the rough roads jarring the child and what not on the way up there."
Fortunately, the child survived the trip and almost a week later, is improving.
"It's my understanding the child has improved greatly. Last check that we had the child still was in the hospital in OKC, but [the baby] improved dramatically."
Turner says this particular case of child abuse moved forward more quickly than most.
"We're very fortunate the case was able to go as quickly as it did to bring closure to the case and the child actually be able to survive this ordeal."
The District Attorney has charged Rendon with child abuse. Rendon is expected to appear in court on Friday, says Turner.
