Police searching for suspect in child abuse

CORBIN, Ky. (WTVQ) — Whitley County Sheriff’s Department says they are investigating a case of physical abuse involving a 17-month-old child. Police say one person has already been arrested, but one man remains at large.

Around 2 p.m. on June 28, police received a call about suspected abuse. The mother, 28-year-old Felisha Smith initially told the hospital her child had fallen off a porch when she sought treatment for the child’s injuries.

She later admitted that the child had woken Kenneth Byrd from his sleep, and Byrd punched the child in the head before twisting their arm behind their back. Smith said this had happened the day before she sought medical treatment. Smith was arrested for first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12.

Police now have an arrest warrant out for Kenneth Byrd for the criminal abuse of a child under 12-years-old. The Sheriff’s department says they are asking for any information about this man, and tips should be left at (606) 549-6017.