Barstow father arrested for alleged abuse of infant
BARSTOW • Barstow Police detectives arrested a father on Dec. 30 for allegedly abusing his infant child.
Police suspect that David Blanks, 22, was responsible for injuries to his three-month-old daughter, who was brought into Barstow Community Hospital for treatment of seizures by mother Corinna Heath and Blanks on Dec. 19, according to a Barstow Police report.
After identifying retinal hemorrhaging and a brain bleed as the infant’s injuries, hospital staff contacted Barstow police to report a case of suspected child abuse. The infant was transported by helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center for further treatment. LLUMC personnel reported to police that the infant also sustained seven broken ribs, according to the report.
An investigation by Barstow Police Detective Jeremy Bledsoe led to Blanks’ arrest on Dec. 30. He was booked into San Bernardino County Jail on a charge of cruelty to a child.
Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to contact the Barstow Police Department Dispatch Center at 760-256-2211. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call the WE-TIP Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.
