Sheboygan police: Nearly 3-year-old girl in ICU, victim of suspected child abuse

SHEBOYGAN -- Sheboygan police are investigating a case of suspected child abuse.

A news release issued on Monday, Feb. 11 said on Friday, Sheboygan police responded to Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center after receiving a report that a 35-month-old girl with "substantial injuries consistent with abuse" was being treated in the emergency room.

An investigation revealed a 25-year-old man who was a caregiver brought the child to the hospital shortly before police were contacted. The man was in a relationship with the girl's mother -- and was caring for the child at his residence.

The child was later transported to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin by Flight for Life. Staff at Children's Hospital "diagnosed severe, life-threatening injuries to the child as a result of blunt force trauma consistent with abuse," the news release indicated.

"We're definitely concerned about the child who is involved here," said Lt. Doug Teunissen, Sheboygan Police Department.

Lt. Teunissen said officers were called out to the Sheboygan hospital "for a report of a 35-month-old child that had succumbed to injuries and was unresponsive." Staff members there were able to stabilize her, and she was airlifted to Milwaukee.

"She was eventually transported to Children's Hospital in Wauwatosa, where she was provided extra care by her medical professionals. Even though she may be improving, we don't know what the long-term ramifications of this will be for her," said Lt. Teunissen.

Police said the caregiver was taken into custody Friday -- and was being held on a probation hold while the investigation continued.

On Monday, Sheboygan police referred charges to the Sheboygan County District Attorney's Office for review:

The child remained in the intensive care unit at Children's Hospital Monday. Her family released this statement to FOX6 News: