By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

PUTNAM COUNTY— Officials are reminding parents of the dangers of co-sleeping with infants after a 3-month-old was found non responsive in a Putnam County residence yesterday.

An Indiana State Police investigation is underway following the baby's death.  ISP Sgt. Joe Watts said early autopsy reports indicate the infant may have been the victim of an unsafe sleeping environment with a parent, but he points out the complete autopsy results will  not be availabable for several weeks.

According to the report, detectives were alerted to the baby's death in the town of Bainbridge after a dispatcher received the 911 call from the father at about 5 a.m.  The baby's father reportedly attempted medical aid until arrival of emergency crews ---  before the infant was transported to a nearby hospital, where the baby was later pronounced dead.

ISP and  Department of Child services stress that when infants are placed into cribs, the sleeping area needs to be free from objects that potentially could interfere with their breathing.  

Watts suggests checking the sleeping area regularly, "for pads, stuffed animals and other articles that may at some point, impede or stop the normal breathing efforts of the infant."

ISP photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

 
SULLIVAN COUNTY — A Shelburn man was cited for driving left of center, no valid license and not wearing his seatbelt after a two-vehicle crash that left him injured in Sullivan County this afternoon.

According to Indiana State Police Sgt Joe Watts, Michael A. Mason, 37, was transported to s Sullivan County hospital for treatment of  non-life threatening pain and facial lacerations.  He noted that fatigued driving on the part of Mason was a contributing factor in the crash.
 
Indiana State Police and Sullivan County emergency agencies responded to the two-vehicle head-on crash just after 11:30 a.m.
 
Watts explained that Mason was eastbound in a green 2003 Dodge Caravan,on Mill Street at Interurban Street, when he crossed the center of the roadway and struck a westbound brown 2006 Ford F-150, driven by  David K. Barley, 69, also of Shelburn. Barley was not injured in the crash.
 
The crash was investigated by ISP Master Trooper Tom Hanks. Assisting were Shelburn Fire/Rescue and Sullivan County EMS.