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Inset: Brian Salt (Falls Township Police Department). Background: Falls Township Fire Company (WCAU).
A fire chief from a Philadelphia-area suburb said he “kind of lost control” when he took his crying baby, and threw her to the ground, according to officers in a report from local ABC affiliate WPVI. The girl survived but was grievously injured.
“Largely based around a skull fracture on the right side of the rear of the head,” Detective Dennis O’Connell of the Falls Township Police Department reportedly said, citing hospital staff. “They mentioned there was some unexplained bleeding in and around the eye and some bruising on the child’s legs.”
The defendant, Brian Salt, 36, is charged with aggravated assault. He is held on 10% of a $500,000 bail.
Police reportedly said they were called on March 12 to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia due to the injuries. Both parents of the 3-month-old girl allegedly said they had no idea how the injuries happened. When cops brought them in for another interview, Salt allegedly said that his wife was at work and that the baby had colic and was inconsolable.
“In his own words, he just kind of lost control,” O’Connell said. “Lost his cool. And in the process of actually picking her up from a swing, he took her out of the swing and then threw her to the ground.”
Salt, the fire chief for Falls Township, is suspended indefinitely. He also works as a firefighter and EMT for Northampton Township.
“We are aware of the criminal charges involving Fire Chief Brian Salt. As a result, Chief Salt has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the legal proceedings,” the Falls Township fire department said. “During this challenging time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Salt family. We understand the impact this situation has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring transparency as we move forward. The safety and well-being of our community remain our top priority, and we will continue to support our firefighters and their families through this challenging time.”