Father Fractured Infant’s Ribs During Feedings: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A father was arrested Wednesday on seven counts of aggravated child abuse after fracturing his 3-month-old son’s ribs, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Deputies responded to reports of a baby with healing rib fractures at St. Joseph’s Hospital main campus in Tampa on Monday.

Detectives learned the child’s father, Balin Simmons, 20, forcefully squeezed the baby during multiple feedings to stop him from crying, the sheriff’s office said.

"It is infuriating to think that someone could do this to a helpless, innocent baby," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving environment. There are no excuses for such horrific behavior, only the certainty that our detectives will ensure this man faces the consequences of his actions."