Father charged with felony injury to child

POST FALLS - A 20-year-old Post Falls father was arrested Tuesday night on a felony injury to child charge after his 4-month-old son was transported to Kootenai Health and then Sacred Heart Medical Center for serious head injuries.

Jeremiah D. Weaver was arrested after police responded to his residence in the 1900 block of east Coeur d'Alene Avenue in Post Falls at 8:40 p.m.

"Officers found the infant to be non-responsive," Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean said, adding that the boy was having a difficult time breathing.

McLean said Wednesday night the infant was still alive and the family was awaiting test results from the hospital.

"It appears the injuries are internal and isolated to the head," McLean said.

Citing an ongoing investigation, McLean limited comment on what Weaver told investigators had happened to the child.

"The father reported to officers he found his child in the back bedroom unresponsive and not breathing," a press release states. "Officers immediately started (CPR) on the child and began assessing the child's medical needs. Paramedics arrived moments later and, upon further medical examination, discovered possible bruising to the back of the child's head."

The child had emergency surgery at Sacred Heart, the press release states.

Weaver's bond was set at $100,000 at his first appearance on Wednesday.

McLean said the infant's mother, who is Weaver's girlfriend, was not home when a neighbor called police after Weaver went to the neighbor's home. He said it's unclear whether she was home when the child was allegedly injured.

Kootenai County Fire and Rescue also responded to the home and transported the child to Kootenai Health.

McLean said the mother was questioned late Tuesday and again Wednesday night, but was not arrested.

He said both parents have been cooperative with police.

"We're still trying to sort out who was there and what happened," McLean said. "We're still trying to get interviews done."

Weaver was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

"While inside the apartment, officers located drug paraphernalia and a strong odor of marijuana," the press release states. "Officers have questioned the father about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident and he has denied any wrongdoing."

He has been arrested six times in the past two years, including for charges of obstructing, petit theft, driving while suspended, probation violation, possession of controlled substance and DUI.

No more information was released Wednesday.