Abuse Case Sends Parents of Infant to Jail

By: 10/11 News Email

Updated: Sat 8:30 AM, Nov 03, 2012

A 5-week-old child has been placed in DHHS care, following a warrant served to the parents for abuse of the infant.

Lincoln Police Captain Jason Stille said the Department of Health and Human Services asked for a warrant to remove a 5-week-old boy from his parents.

Stille said about 8:00 p.m. Friday, police served the warrant to 25-year-old Eric Stephensen and 27-year-old Debi Bailey at the American Inn and Suites at 5600 Cornhusker Highway.

Stille said officers spoke to the couple from outside the second floor room through the window and door for nearly three hours.

About 11:30 p.m. officers rushed into the room chasing Stephensen into the bathroom with the child. Stephensen fought with officers who were able to remove the child and take him into custody.

Bailey was arrested without further incident.

The infant was evaluated at the hospital before being turned over to DHHS.

Stephensen was taken to Bryan West Campus to be treated for minor injuries he suffered during the scuffle and then was lodged in jail.

Stephensen was arrested for failure to comply, child abuse, obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest.

Bailey was arrested for failure to comply, child neglect and resisting arrest.