Bastrop, LA – A Louisiana man who worked as a labor and delivery nurse is facing criminal charges after allegedly striking his 5-month-old baby, resulting in a fractured skull, authorities said.
Incident Details
Dustin Clark, 30, was arrested on Tuesday by Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies after a friend brought his 5-month-old child to Morehouse General Hospital. Court documents reveal that Clark told police the baby became fussy during a feeding and would not stop crying, at which point he said he “snapped” and struck the child in the head.
Medical staff at the hospital diagnosed the infant with a parietal bone fracture on the left side of the skull, prompting a transfer to a critical care center in Shreveport for further treatment.
Investigation and Arrest
A nurse at Morehouse General Hospital alerted authorities to the infant’s injuries. Deputies soon located and interviewed Clark, who told police the baby, his adopted child, had been sitting in a high chair during mealtime. Clark reportedly tried to calm the baby but admitted to slapping the child in the face.
After the incident, a friend brought the baby to a doctor, who suspected a serious injury and advised hospital care.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Clark was charged with:
- Domestic abuse battery
- Two counts of cruelty to juveniles
He was booked into jail on Tuesday and released the following day after posting $15,000 bond.
Employment Action
At the time of the incident, Clark was employed as a labor and delivery nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana. Following his arrest, the hospital terminated his employment.
A spokesperson for St. Francis Hospital stated:
“The safety and security of our patients, team members and community are our top priorities. Our team member hiring process is extremely rigorous and includes background checks, multiple reference checks and other nationally recognized best practices. At this time, we can’t share any further details of the situation due to workplace privacy laws.”
Safety and Awareness
Authorities emphasize the seriousness of child abuse cases and encourage caregivers to seek help when managing infant care challenges. Prompt reporting of injuries or suspected abuse can prevent further harm.
Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below and stay informed on child safety and local news.
