SUNBURY – A Northumberland man is charged with injuring a baby. 21-year-old Russell McKinney claimed unexplained bruises on his girlfriend’s daughter were caused when he performed the Heimlich maneuver because the child was choking.
In July, the baby was admitted to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of the bruises and Northumberland County Children and Youth were notified because of the suspicious nature of the injuries. When questioned by police, McKinney and the child’s mother, Mariah Propst said injuries came from toys and rough carpet.
Court documents say McKinney later told police he was probably “too rough” with the child when she was fussy. McKinney is charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and simple assault. He posted bail and was released after arraignment Friday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 17. (Jennifer Wakeman)