Elkhart County sheriffs arrested a Notre Dame security officer Wednesday for assaulting his seven-week-old baby and charged him with battery after he admitted to the abusing the child, a local newspaper reported.
Timothy Clark, a 32-year-old security officer who has been employed by the University since September 2001, is on paid administrative leave until "his situation becomes clearer," University spokesman Matt Storin said.
According to the Elkhart Truth, police said Clark admitted Wednesday that he dropped, shook and spanked Samuel Clark, who was born on Aug. 19, sometime between Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.
The Truth reported that the abuse investigation began after Timothy Clark and his wife, Elizabeth, took their son to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Oct. 6 because he was vomiting. After examining the baby, hospital officials notified Child Protective Services of a potential abuse case, who then forwarded the case to police. Police did not indicate whether Elizabeth Clark took part in or was aware of the abuse.
Medical reports obtained by the Truth said the baby's injuries included a fractured skull and broken wrist, rib, leg and facial bone. The baby was hospitalized for at least three days, and it was not immediately clear if he remains at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A spokesperson from the hospital said she had no information on Samuel Grant.
The baby's grandmother, Katy Graham, who is a nurse, told WNDU-TV Thursday that the baby was recovering and may have disabilities later in life.
"I want to see this man go to prison. That's what I want to see happen," Graham told WNDU. "I want everyone to be aware that these little ones need protection. I think we stand by and turn a deaf ear and say nothing we are making a grave mistake."
Clark remained in the Elkhart County Jail Sunday night with a bond set at $80,000. He was arrested on three Class B felony charges that, if prosecutors decide to file formal charges, could lead to 20 years in prison. Neither the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office or the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office could be reached for comment by The Observer.
In his job as a security officer, Clark did not carry a gun or make arrests, Storin said.
