In Nassau County, Florida, a couple has been arrested following an investigation into an incident where their 6-month-old child suffered a broken femur. The injury allegedly happened during a diaper change on Monday evening.

Sheriff Bill Leeper of Nassau County described the situation as “heartbreaking.” He identified the parents as 34-year-old Jasper Shick and 36-year-old Sarah Rediker, stating that they neglected their duty to protect their child by waiting too long to get medical assistance.

“It’s truly heartbreaking,” Leeper expressed. “You feel immense sympathy for the child who depends on their parents for safety. In this case, those parents failed to fulfill that responsibility.”

According to deputies, the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Monday. Investigators report that Shick became frustrated during the diaper change, leading to the unfortunate injury.

“The child was fussy, which children tend to be,” Leeper said. “The father just got frustrated and squeezed the child so hard he broke the femur and also hurt the elbow.”

Leeper said Shick admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana before the incident. When investigators entered the family’s Fernandina Beach home, they reported finding marijuana residue and numerous empty alcohol containers.

Instead of calling 911, detectives say the couple waited more than three hours to bring the child to the hospital, after the baby’s grandmother returned home.

“They were afraid of what may happen when people found out what actually occurred,” Leeper said.

Shick is charged with aggravated child abuse. Both are charged with child neglect and making false statements to investigators.

“They’re felonies, and we’ll see how it goes through the criminal justice system,” Leeper said.

Leeper also said Rediker told investigators that Shick had previously been mentally and physically abusive toward her.

The sheriff described the case as devastating and urged parents to remain calm when caring for children.

“You have to be the adult in the room,” Leeper said. “Make sure the child gets what they need and don’t go overboard and hurt the child.”

The bond for Rediker was set at $50,000, while Shick’s bond is set at $125,000. Both remain in custody.

Leeper said the case remains under investigation, and additional charges could be filed.