Infant boy listed in critical condition with head injuries

4/5/2005

A 25-day-old boy was in critical condition yesterday with head injuries, possibly from being shaken, authorities said.

Elijah Jackson of East Toledo was in the pediatric intensive care unit at Toledo Hospital.

Police were sent to the hospital Saturday to assist Lucas County Children Services. An agency spokesman said the boy's mother, Shannon Cook, first had her son at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center for treatment, then went to Toledo Hospital.

A police report indicates the infant had "bleeding-swelling of the brain (possible from a person shaking the baby)."

Police reports indicate the incident occurred between 5 and 6 a.m. Saturday at an apartment at 2100 Consaul St. and was reported at 4:30 p.m. that day.

Police detectives and children services are investigating what happened to the infant. No charges have been filed.

A St. Vincent spokesman said the infant was admitted and discharged Saturday.

Dean Sparks, executive director of children services, said the baby was moved to Toledo Hospital because his prior medical care had been given there.

Mr. Sparks said his agency has no previous abuse allegations regarding the boy or his mother. Ms. Cook's other two children were voluntarily placed with a relative, he said.