Lincoln father arrested after son suffers broken leg

A 24-year-old Lincoln father was arrested after his infant son suffered a broken leg while in his care, according to court documents. 

In an affidavit for his arrest, officials say the boy’s father, Bryce McLaughlin, gave conflicting reports about how the injury occurred that didn’t match up with the opinions of medical professionals who examined the child. 

McLaughlin said he and the 4-month-old boy were on a bed and that he placed the child in an upright position with his back against the wall, according to the affidavit. 

In one account, McLaughlin said the boy became excited after a noise McLaughlin made and lurched upward, as if he were trying to stand, and fell to his left onto the bed and began crying, according to the affidavit. 

McLaughlin denied providing differing account to officers. 

Officials allege that McLaughlin was the only adult present to care for the child at the time, and that the nature of the situation was negligent. 

McLaughlin turned himself in to Lincoln Police on Tuesday. 

He faces a charge of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury.