Crime & Safety

Man Arrested in Salem for Allegedly Seriously Burning Infant

A Massachusetts man allegedly poured "a high temperature liquid" on an 18-month-old child, causing "serious burn injuries."

Salem police say a Pembroke, Mass., man is facing multiple charges in connection to allegedly pouring "a high temperature liquid" on an 18-month-old child, causing "serious burn injuries."

Shawn Ward, 23, was charged Saturday with second-degree assault with bodily injury of an individual under 13 years old and endangering the welfare of a child.

Salem Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten said his department was contacted by Lawrence General Hospital at 6:46 p.m. Friday after the infant was transported there by the Salem Fire Department.

Ward was charged after a "brief investigation" following the call from the hospital, according to Patten. He said Ward, the boyfriend of the infant's mother but not the infant's biological father, was babysitting the infant Friday.

Police believe the burns were "intentional" and caused by "scalding hot water," and authorities found evidence of this at the home where Ward was watching the infant, according to Patten. Patten said there was also "a significant delay" in seeking medical treatment for the child.

The infant was transferred by LGH to Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Mass., and was still hospitalized Monday due to its injuries.

Ward was taken into custody without incident and held on $15,000 cash bail pending an arraignment in Salem District Court.


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