ROCK SPRINGS – On Wednesday, November 27th, officers of the Rock Springs Police department were dispatched to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County regarding a possible case of child abuse that had occurred earlier that day.
Officers and case workers from the Department of Family Services learned from medical staff that a six month old child had been admitted to the Emergency Room with significant burns as well as suspected head trauma. Examination determined that the infant had significant swelling and fluid buildup in the brain, and would need advanced care. The child was subsequently flown by fixed wing aircraft to Children’s Primary Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The child was placed in protective custody by law enforcement.
Investigation conducted by the Rock Springs Police Department Detective Division along with the Department of Family Services led to the arrest of Christopher Schanno, age 31, for two counts of alleged Aggravated Child Abuse. Several interviews were conducted, and a Search & Seizure warrant was executed at which time several items of evidence were collected.