6-Week-Old Baby Physically Abused, St. Pete Man Arrested: Police

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A St. Petersburg man was arrested after doctors told authorities he caused fractures to a 6-week-old baby's legs, ankles and ribs. After first claiming the injuries might have happened when he prevented a fall, Donald Fox, 35, of 3094 55th Avenue North, later said he harmed the child because he was annoyed, police said.

Fox took the baby to a pediatrician for leg injuries, and the required medical evaluations at All Children's Hospital. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children Unit was notified about the multiple fractures the child had. The injuries were discovered to be anywhere from one to two weeks old, the police report said.

Fox told detectives the baby may have tapped a door frame with his legs and Fox inadvertently hurt the boy's ribs as he prevented a fall. Investigators noticed inconsistencies in Fox's explanation of the victim's injuries. Fox later told police he squeezed the victim's torso and ankle out of annoyance and frustration.

Police arrested Fox on a charge of aggravated child abuse. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.

Child protection investigators removed the child from Fox's care, and notified the hospital that contact was prohibited.

The baby remains hospitalized with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

In accordance with Marsy's Law, police did not say what the relationship between Fox and the baby is.