UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas – Universal City Police arrested a 20-year-old airman Wednesday on a felony charge of injury to a child, prompting the Metropolitan Health District to share information and resources to help with parenting.
Investigators say Erick Espinoza-Resendez called 911 Saturday morning, saying his 2-month-old was not responding and possibly choked on his milk.
At the hospital, a trauma doctor and radiologist told authorities the infant showed signs consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
Investigator Sgt. Christian Rosales said the father claims he accidentally dropped a phone on the child a few days before the baby was rushed to the hospital. But investigators say medical doctors dispute that the injuries the child was showing were from that.
“It was found that he had multiple bleeds in his brain, one on the frontal lobe, one on the left side, left side of the brain,” and bruising on the head and face, said Rosales.
Investigators said it was the first week Resendez was left alone with the infant. The infant is still in critical condition at the hospital and breathing on his own.
Metro Health offers free parenting classes for caregivers in all stages of a child’s life.
Brea Delafuente with Metro Health’s no-cost Triple P Parenting Program says it’s important that society acknowledge the complexity of parenting and the need for support.
“First, I want to validate that, you know, parenting can be very stressful. It can be overwhelming at times. But there’s also a lot of moments where it’s rewarding and fulfilling. So there’s just acknowledging that all those emotions can happen at the same time,” Delafuente said.
She said one of the core principles of the Triple P’s program is parents taking care of themselves.
“It’s impossible to pour from an empty cup,” she said.
Resources:
- The United Way of San Antonio also offers programs to strengthen families. Call 211 if you need help.