Kentucky man arrested for abusing infant, blames social media for rib fractures

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 26-year-old Hardin County man is accused of abusing his two-month-old infant.

Austin Webster was arrested Oct. 1, after the child was taken to Norton Children's Hospital with three "three bilateral healing rib fractures," according to court documents.

Police interviewed the child's mother, who said Webster was sometimes "rough with the child." She also told investigators she believed Webster was responsible for the injuries.

Webster was interviewed and told officers the child had been seen by a doctor on Sept. 20 for a check-up, where instructions were given for relieving gas and bowel issues. He told investigators he tried alternative methods he had seen on social media that included pressing on the child's stomach and manipulating the legs.

Webster said he had no intention of harming his child, but agreed that his actions led to the fractured ribs. He also acknowledged being rough with the child in the past.

Webster is charged with criminal abuse of a child 12 years or under.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 10.

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