MUNCIE, Ind. — A Muncie father has been charged after his 4-year-old son was brought to a hospital with bruises and a cigarette burn.
Tyler Brantlinger, 31, of Muncie, has been charged with felony counts of neglect of a dependent and battery of a person less than 14 years old.
According to court documents, on Sunday, June 2, deputies responded to IU Ball Memorial Hospital on a report of child abuse. Brantlinger's 4-year-old son was brought to the hospital by other family members and nurses noticed bruising on his legs, arms and torso as well as a burn to his left forearm.
Court documents say the 4-year-old referred to his burn injury as a "cigarette bruise" and said it was caused by Brantlinger.
The child was interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center in Muncie on June 4. In the interview, the 4-year-old reportedly told police that Brantlinger burned him with a cigarette and a lighter while he was at his mother's house.
Brantlinger was arrested at his Muncie home and taken to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office for questioning.
According to court documents, Brantlinger allegedly told police that he had never hit a child, but later admitted to physically disciplining his children. Brantlinger initially told police that he never physically disciplined his 4-year-old son, but again later backtracked and admitted to physically disciplining him.
Court documents say Brantlinger denied ever burning his son with a lit cigarette.
Brantlinger was transported to the Delaware County Jail where he is currently being held on $6,000 bond. As of the publishing of this article, an initial hearing date has not yet been set.
Child abuse resources
If you think a child is being abused or neglected, call the DCS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
If you can, provide DCS with the following information:
who was involved
what occurred
when and where it occurred
the extent of any injuries sustained
any other relevant information
Even if you don't know all that information, DCS urges you to call and report if you suspect a child is a victim of abuse or neglect. State law requires DCS to protect the identity of those reporting abuse or neglect allegations, so you can remain anonymous.
There is more information available at the Indiana Department of Child Services website.
If you would like to help victims of child abuse and neglect, Kid's Voice Indiana has a Court Appointed Special Advocate program. This lets volunteers advocate for child victims who don't have another trusted adult to stand up for them. You can learn more about the CASA program here. Kid's Voice estimates more than 3,100 kids in Marion County need help from a CASA volunteer.