WESTFIELD, IN – An Indiana man, 28-year-old Tristan Dean Gerhardt, was arrested this week on charges of physically abusing his 6-month-old child. The infant was admitted to the hospital with fractures in both arms and legs. Gerhardt reportedly attributed the injuries to tight swaddling and rough diaper changes.
Gerhardt was taken into custody on Monday and faces charges of felony domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person under 14 and felony neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, according to court records. The Westfield Police Department confirmed that they received information about Gerhardt, who was wanted, and located him at his residence on Scarlet Street. An arrest warrant was executed around 11:19 p.m., and Gerhardt was taken into custody without any issues.
Further details about the case were provided by a probable cause affidavit obtained by a local Fox affiliate in Indianapolis. The police had responded to Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital on May 1, 2024, following reports of a suspected child abuse case. The infant had sustained multiple injuries, including fractures in both arms and legs. The child also had scarring where the gums and lips meet, which doctors believe was caused by something being forced into the infant’s mouth.
Medical professionals treating the child informed investigators that most of the fractures were classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs), often seen in cases of physical abuse. These injuries typically result from forceful yanking, pulling, or jerking, causing tearing at the end of the bone.
The child’s mother reportedly told investigators that Gerhardt was the primary caregiver during the day while she was at work. Gerhardt suggested to the police that the injuries might have been caused by him swaddling the baby too tightly or changing diapers roughly. However, doctors refuted this claim, stating that normal handling of an infant, even rough diaper changes, would not result in such severe injuries.
A family member also expressed concerns about Gerhardt’s behavior towards the infant, describing him as mean, short-tempered, and prone to yelling at the child when the mother was not present. After the incident, Gerhardt sent a message to the child’s mother, hinting at previous contact with child services.
Gerhardt appeared virtually for his initial hearing on Tuesday, where Magistrate Judge Gregory J. Garrison found probable cause for the arrest and set his bond at $150,000. As of Thursday afternoon, Gerhardt remained in the Hamilton County Detention Center. A hearing has been scheduled for October 7, 2024.