A 50-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the abuse of a 3-month-old infant who suffered severe head trauma, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office said on Friday.

Madera County Sheriff’s deputies responded Jan. 13 to a medical aid call for an unresponsive baby. The child was rushed to a local hospital for emergency surgery.

Medical staff determined the injuries were “not consistent with any type of fall,” the sheriff’s office said.

Tonya Hamilton, a non-relative caregiver, was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on felony child abuse-related charges.

The sheriff’s office reminded the public that shaking a baby, even briefly, can cause permanent brain injury or death.

Officials urged caregivers feeling overwhelmed to place infants in a safe location and seek help, and encouraged anyone who suspects child abuse to report it.

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