JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A baby boy is recovering Wednesday night after officials said he was taken to the hospital with severe brain swelling. Now police are investigating the babysitter.
Jacksonville police said the man was watching four children younger than 5 years old, including the 11-month-old baby boy, Wednesday morning at Ribault Bay Village Navy Family Housing in the 1000 block of Bunker Hill Court in Mayport.
Police said the man called 911 about 11:30 a.m. because the baby was unresponsive and not breathing.
IMAGES: Police swarm Navy family housing complex
The boy was taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in life-threatening condition because of brain swelling, which police said is an indicator of foul play.
"We are not exactly sure how the injuries occurred, but they are of the nature that would lead us to believe some type of trauma occurred," said Sgt. Jay Farhat.
Police said the baby's condition has improved, and he is expected to live.
Herman Cole lives next door and got home to see the crime scene tape and police cars.
"That's upsetting news, but I don't know what happened. I just know it is a bad situation," Cole said.
Police said the baby's mother is in the Navy. But so far, there is no information about the babysitter.
The Department of Children and Families said it will be investigating.
"Next step, we are going to do some interviews. Child abuse detectives will be working it to determine if there was any criminal liability here," Sgt. Farhat said.