A 15-month-old girl was found Oct. 4 in a ditch beside a highway in Adams County, Nebraska; she had visible insect bites, diaper rash and a soiled diaper but was otherwise reported to be in generally good health. Investigators say Austin Hendrick, 31, told police he had been babysitting and later claimed the child was gone from his home; he was arrested Jan. 27. Hendrick faces a charge of felony child abuse without injury and is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 29. The case remains under investigation.
Nebraska Man Charged After 15-Month-Old Found in Ditch With Insect Bites and Diaper Rash
Austin Hendrick.Adams County Jail
A 15-month-old girl was found in a roadside ditch in Adams County, Nebraska, on Oct. 4 and a man has since been arrested in connection with the discovery, local authorities say.
What Happened
Shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 4, a passerby located the toddler in a ditch beside a highway and reported the child to local authorities. Deputies who responded to the scene found a truck driver holding the child. Officials described the child as generally in good health but noted visible insect bites, diaper rash and a full diaper, according to a search-warrant affidavit and statements from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrest And Allegations
Austin Hendrick, 31, was arrested on Jan. 27 in connection with the October incident, according to local news outlets and court records. Investigators say a tipster told police they had received a call from Hendrick in which he claimed he had been babysitting the child and could not find her.
When questioned by law enforcement, Hendrick allegedly told officers he believed someone had taken the child from his home, located about 1.5 miles from where she was found. He reportedly said he had left the house to feed dogs and returned to find the front door open and the child missing. Those statements appear in the affidavit cited by local outlets.
Charges And Next Steps
According to court records cited by local reporting, Hendrick has been charged with felony child abuse without injury. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 29. The case remains under investigation as law enforcement and prosecutors review evidence and statements.
Reporting Sources
This account is based on reporting and court paperwork referenced by local outlets, including Local 4, NTV and the Hastings Tribune, as well as national coverage.
Help And Resources
If you suspect child abuse or need to report concerns, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline is toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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