GREENFIELD — Officials from the Greenfield Police Department (GPD) say they arrested a Greenfield mother and father for neglecting an infant. Both adults were arrested Thursday and taken to the Hancock County Jail where they are facing criminal charges of neglect after officers observed a baby in need on an unrelated call earlier this month.
Officials from the GPD say they were on a call to a home in Greenfield on Oct. 10 to locate a person connected to an ongoing investigation. While at the house, officers observed a concerning situation involving a baby inside the home.
One of the adults in the home was holding a baby who appeared pale, thin and malnourished, officials from the GPD said in a press release. Recognizing the urgent need for medical assistance, Greenfield Fire Territory Paramedics were immediately summoned to assess the child’s condition, officials said.
Upon evaluation, medics determined that the baby required immediate transport to a hospital for further medical care. The child’s parents consented, and the baby was taken to the hospital for immediate help.
In accordance with protocol, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) was contacted to meet with GPD detectives at the hospital to facilitate the investigation and ensure the safety of the baby, officials said.
Following a thorough investigation, the parents of the baby were both arrested Thursday.
The parents have been identified as Nealy Knight, 22, Greenfield, faces a charge of Neglect of a Dependent resulting in bodily injury (X2), a Level 5 Felony; and Brison Phipps, 18, Greenfield, faces a charge of Neglect of a Dependent resulting in bodily injury (X2), a Level 5 felony.
“These serious charges reflect the gravity of the situation and the need to protect vulnerable individuals,” officials from the GPD said in the release. “The Greenfield Police Department remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents, especially children.”
Officials went onto say they are grateful for the swift actions of the Greenfield Fire Territory medics and the collaboration with DCS in the critical case.
Officials noted, the baby has been released from the hospital and is doing well with a foster family. The parents are currently in the county jail awaiting official charges from the prosecutor’s office.
