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Arrest Made in Suspected Abuse of 21-Month-Old
On November 5, 2017, Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives were called to assist with an investigation of the possible abuse of a 21-month-old child who sustained serious and possible life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 22-year-old Brandon M. Oquendo was arrested and booked for Assault of a Child 1st Degree.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputies began to investigate a report of a child who had been severely assaulted and had possible life-threatening injuries. Earlier, Spokane Valley Fire personnel were called to an apartment in the 2800 block of N. Cherry for a young child having a seizure.
As they began to provide medical attention, a large bruise on the child’s head, along with several others on her body, were observed. They immediately reported this information to deputies who began to investigate.
Initial information indicates Oquendo is dating the child’s mother who was at work when the incident occurred. Oquendo first stated the injuries/bruises to the child were a result of rough play with his young son and a fall at the playground in the last few days.
Treating medical staff stated the brain injury the child sustained was newer and probably happened earlier in the day. It is difficult to determine how old the other bruises were but they appeared to be recent and, in his medical opinion, the injuries were caused by abuse, not an accident.
Spokane Valley Major Crimes Detectives responded to the hospital to continue the investigation. During an interview Oquendo admitted he was watching his girlfriend’s daughter while she was at work. During the evening, he lost control and struck the child.
The 21-month-old was admitted to pediatric ICU due to the severity of her injuries and child protective services was notified.
Oquendo was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault of a Child 1st Degree.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer
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