A Pennsylvania fire chief has been charged with violently injuring his 3-month-old daughter, allegedly admitting to authorities that he “threw her on the ground” out of frustration because she “wouldn’t stop crying.”
Falls township fire chief Brian Salt, 36, initially claimed ignorance about his daughter’s injuries when he brought her to his in-laws’ home, according to court documents obtained by NBC Philadelphia. However, medical staff at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia alerted authorities after discovering the baby had suffered a fractured skull.
During questioning, Salt admitted to investigators that he had “forcefully” removed the infant from a swing before throwing her to the ground, Falls township police detective Dennis O’Connell told the media. Salt allegedly cited “being overly frustrated” as his reason for the violent act, explaining that the baby was being “very fussy.”
Authorities expressed shock over the incident, given Salt’s professional background. In addition to being fire chief, he also serves as a firefighter and EMT in Northampton Township. “He should clearly know how to deal with any kind of stressful situation, especially something of this nature when it’s involving your own child,” O’Connell said.
Salt was arrested last Thursday and booked at the Bucks County jail on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. He is set to appear in court on April 2. The current condition of his daughter remains unclear.
Following his arrest, Falls township fire company #1 announced his indefinite suspension pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. “We understand the impact this situation has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring transparency as we move forward,” the department said.
