TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - A Taylorville infant has been released from the hospital after being found unresponsive. The child's father is accused of beating him.
The baby was rushed to Taylorville Memorial Hospital and later transported to HSHS St. John's in Springfield. He suffered a subconjunctival hemorrhage of the right eye, multiple subarachnoid hemorrhages of the brain numerous bruises to the spinal area, a large bruise on the child's shoulder, and a skull fracture causing extreme swelling of the brain.
30-year-old Chad Johnson is charged with aggravated battery of a child and violation of an order of protection. He also had an outstanding warrant for larceny.
He was given a bond of $750,000.
WAND learned the 4-month-old baby is now in protective custody after being released.
A 2-year-old was also taken into protective custody following Johnson's arrest.
Online court records also showed Johnson having a prior felony record. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to residential burglary and a gun charge. In 2012, Johnson pleaded no contest to felony meth charges. He faces a felony theft charge from earlier this year.
This is an ongoing investigation by the Taylorville Police Department, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Christian County State's Attorney's Office. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Taylorville Police Department or call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.568.TIPS.
