WILD ROSE, Wis. — A Wisconsin man is behind bars after authorities say a five-month-old infant arrived at a local hospital with injuries so severe the child was coughing up blood and unable to feed.
According to the Wautoma Police Department, officers were called to Theda Care Hospital in Wild Rose after the baby was brought in showing signs of life-threatening trauma. Medical staff quickly determined the infant’s condition required a higher level of care, and the child was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin for further treatment.
Doctors there told investigators the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, prompting a joint investigation by the Wautoma Police Department and the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office, with support from Waushara County Child Protective Services.
During the course of the investigation, officials interviewed the people responsible for the baby’s care. One of them, identified as Stephen Polvi of Wautoma, allegedly admitted to pressing his fingers into the back of the infant’s mouth because the baby “was fussy.” Investigators say this action lines up with the nature of the child’s injuries.
A second caregiver told authorities that they discovered the baby spitting up blood shortly after the infant had been left alone with Polvi, raising further concern about how the injuries occurred.
Following the investigation, Polvi was taken into custody on July 23 and formally charged with Child Abuse – Reckless Endangerment Causing Great Bodily Harm, a felony under Wisconsin law.
Authorities have not released additional details about the child’s current condition or whether further charges may follow as the investigation continues. Officials have also not confirmed the exact relationship between Polvi and the infant beyond identifying him as a caregiver.
The case remains under active investigation by local law enforcement.