Omaha daycare operator admits to pulling child by arm, causing multiple fractures

Authorities have revoked the child care license of an Omaha daycare operator after she admitted in court documents to injuring a child in her care. 

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Catarina Lopez operated a child care program at 3931 U Street in Omaha. 

Lopez was charged on Tuesday with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony. 

Prosecutors said in an arrest affidavit that Lopez forcefully pulled a 16-month-old child up from the floor by its arm. 

The child suffered multiple fractures to the shoulders, arm and wrists that were in various stages of healing, according to a DHHS report. 

The child had an acute fracture and dislocation of its left arm, the report said. 

The child’s mother reported noticing the child’s injuries on January 20, after the child returned from Lopez’s child care. 

In an interview with law enforcement, Lopez admitted that she had caused the injury to the child when lifting it up. 

Lopez may not provide child care for any child other than her own until she obtains a license to do so from DHHS.