A Springville father was arrested on suspicion of child abuse after his 1-month-old son had to be rushed to Salt Lake City's Primary Children's Medical Center with injuries allegedly consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

Springville police Lt. David M. Caron said Friday that the 26-year-old man had called an ambulance to his home near 1200 South 550 East, saying the infant was having difficulty breathing. The child was first taken to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center about 9 a.m., and then taken by helicopter to Primary Children's.

Caron said the father at first claimed the baby was hurt when he lost his grip while unwrapping a blanket, and the infant fell onto his knee and then the floor. However, doctors at Primary Children's told investigators the child's injuries did not match that story, and that the trauma the baby suffered was consistent with having been shaken.

Police again questioned the father and then arrested him, booking him into Utah County Jail on suspicion of felony child abuse.

The baby, in serious condition, is awaiting CT and MRI scans, Caron said.

Bob Mims