A Hastings, Nebraska man has been arrested and charged in connection with an October incident in which a 15-month-old girl was found alone in a rural roadside ditch with numerous insect bites and signs of neglect. The arrest came nearly four months after the child was discovered by a passerby, prompting law enforcement scrutiny and community concern.
Passerby Finds Toddler in Remote Ditch
In the early morning hours of Oct. 4, a concerned motorist reported seeing a toddler sitting alone in a shallow ditch along a rural Adams County road. Responding deputies found the 15-month-old child alive and alert but covered in bug bites, with a full diaper and areas of diaper rash. Fire and rescue personnel transported the child to a local healthcare facility for evaluation, where she was deemed in generally stable condition.
Suspect’s Account and Police Response
Shortly after the discovery, law enforcement learned that the suspect — 31-year-old Austin Hendrick of Hastings — had contacted another person about a missing child he was babysitting that morning. When interviewed, Hendrick claimed he left the home briefly to feed his dogs and returned to find the toddler gone and his front door open. He suggested an unknown person must have taken the girl, a statement investigators noted while pursuing evidence, including GPS data from his vehicle.
Charges Filed, Court Date Set
On Jan. 27, authorities arrested Hendrick and booked him into Adams County Jail on a felony charge of child abuse without injury. Court records show he is scheduled for arraignment later this month as the investigation continues. Law enforcement agencies urge anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the case.
