The Fishers Police Department is investigating a battery that occurred at a Fishers home day care center. The investigation began on January 19, 2007 after a four month old boy was admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Indiana Department of Child Services and Fishers Police Investigators responded to St. Vincent’s Hospital on January 19th. Investigators learned that the four month old was suffering from serious injuries that include: a double occipital skull fracture, subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain) and bleeding in the eyes. Investigators began their investigation determining who has had contact with the young boy. The parents provided all the information and a biography of the boy’s life.
The parents told investigators that they took their son to an unlicensed home day care in Fishers. The day care is run by Melanie D. Ford at 10798 Sweet Creek Trail. The parents stated that they took their son to the day care beginning on November 6, 2006.
On January 17, 2007, Melanie Ford contacted the child’s parents and asked them to pick their son up because he was sick. When the father arrived he found his son unresponsive. He immediately went to the hospital emergency room. Medical personnel discovered that the child had a skull fracture and notified the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Investigators interviewed Melanie Ford at the Fishers Police Department on February 7, 2007. Melanie Ford admitted to shaking the child one time in late December or early January. She also admitted to shaking the child on January 17, 2007. Melanie Ford told investigators she shook the child on five occasions during the day and threw the child onto the floor because he would not stop crying.
Melanie D. Ford was arrested and charged with two counts of Battery resulting in serious bodily injury. She was transported to the Hamilton County Jail.
Investigator: Detective Dan Claassen
Arrested: Melanie D. Ford
29 years old
Fishers, Indiana
Charges: (2) Counts – Battery – Serious Bodily Injury – Class B Felony
Incident Location: 10798 Sweet Creek Trail – Fishers, IN 46037
Held: Hamilton County Jail
Bond: $50,000
