Tulsa mother arrested on child neglect charge

TULSA, Okla. (AP) – A Tulsa woman has been taken into custody after doctors noted that her baby had several bruises and broken bones, which the infant reportedly received while in the care of the mother’s live-in boyfriend.

Cpl. Greg Smith says 27-year-old Heather Terrell was arrested on a child neglect complaint Sunday after she brought her 8-month-old son to the hospital with a broken arm.

A judge hasn’t issued a warrant for the boyfriend’s arrest, but Smith says police will seek a warrant if they don’t make contact. The boyfriend, 30-year-old Dustin Ortega, reportedly fled the couple’s apartment when police arrived for questioning.

The Department of Human Services is attempting to locate family members to house the baby and the woman’s two older children. Smith says the children will be taken into state custody if suitable family members aren’t found.