Dad arrested for dropping, kicking 6-month-old baby (Farmington, New Mexico)

Dad ADRIAN JOHNSON has been arrested for "allegedly" dropping his 6-month-old infant on his head onto the concrete, saying he didn't care, then pushing the baby out of his way with his foot.

http://www.daily-times.com/ci_13345965

Father arrested for dropping, kicking infant
By Elizabeth Piazza The Daily Times
Posted: 09/16/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT

FARMINGTON — About 2,000 children are in foster care, according to a Children, Youth and Families Department spokeswoman.

And on Saturday a 6-month-old infant joined the statistics after being dropped on his head onto the concrete by its father.

Adrian Johnson allegedly dropped the infant, said he didn't care and pushed the baby out of his way with his foot, according to witnesses at the scene, Bloomfield Police Detective Sgt. Jonathan Martinez said.

Officers were dispatched to 600 W. Blanco Blvd., at about 4:30 p.m. in response to battery.

Witnesses reported the 24-year-old Adrian and Kristen Johnson were arguing, when Adrian dropped the baby, Martinez said.

Officers found the baby at a family member's house at 2100 E. Blanco Blvd.

They noticed a large amount of swelling from the baby's eye to the back of his head on the left side, Martinez said.

The infant was taken to San Juan Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released, Dennis Mathis, hospital spokesman said.

The infant is in the custody of Children, Youth and Families Department.

Law enforcement is legally able to remove a child from a parent's custody if a child is at risk of abuse, said Romaine Serna, a department spokeswoman.

The department has 48 hours after a removal to either return the child or write an affidavit to ask for continued custody, Serna said.

Johnson was arrested and is being held at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on $20,000 bond.