Williamson County, IL – A Cambria man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say video evidence showed a two-month-old infant being violently assaulted, prompting an emergency child abuse investigation late Friday.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted by the Cambria Police Department on Friday, January 23, around 6:18 p.m., requesting assistance in a reported battery involving an infant. Authorities located the child at a local hospital, where the infant was receiving medical treatment.
Investigators said video evidence later recovered showed the incident allegedly occurred earlier that morning, around 3:43 a.m., and had not been immediately reported. After reviewing the footage and conducting witness interviews, authorities identified the suspect as Dalton E. Ward.
According to investigators, the video allegedly shows Ward repeatedly thrusting the infant to the ground from an elevated position, then lying next to the child while restricting the infant’s airway with his hand and arm. Due to the nature of the allegations, the details were documented as part of a felony child abuse investigation.
Ward was located in the 600 block of South Elm Street in Cambria and taken into custody without incident.
He has been issued the following charges:
- Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony)
- Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony)
Ward was transported to and remanded into the custody of the Williamson County Jail. The case has been forwarded to the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office, where additional charges are anticipated following further review.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to this or other investigations to contact the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at 618-997-6541 or submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
