Father charged in connection with assaut of infant

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A child is in critical condition after authorities alleged the infant was abused by the father.

New Madrid County Terry Stevens said his office was alerted Saturday by officials at Missouri Delta Medical Center of a possible child abuse case. The 1-month-old infant had "severe injuries," according to the sheriff.

Following an investigation by officers with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the child's father, Ricky Garza, 19, of Canalou, Mo., was arrested. Garza is charge with first-degree assault with no bond set.

Stevens declined to describe the extent of the infant's injuries but said the child was flown to Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis for treatment.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO

Canalou, MO