Laurel County, KY (Friday, September 21, 2018) - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Kyle Gray along with Detective Sgt. Chris Edwards, Sheriff John Root, Detective Bryon Lawson, Detective James Sizemore, Detective Gary Mehler, and Deputy Rodney VanZant investigated a criminal abuse case on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at approximately 9:52 AM.
After responding to St. Joseph Hospital London to conduct the investigation, it was learned that allegedly a 2 year old male child was assaulted in Laurel County and an adult female observed the child being assaulted and failed to render aid or assistance and failed to attempt to stop the assault or check on the child immediately after the assault occurred.
The child was not taken to a local hospital for approximately three hours where the child was treated for severe injuries sustained and then transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for further treatment and was admitted there.
Arrested was Dana Lorraine Casey age 23 of Willie Cheek Road, London charged with criminal abuse – first-degree – child 12 or under. This individual was lodged in the Laurel County detention center.
As the investigation continued, three adult males who also live in the residence were interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office in London,and information was developed that one of the three male subjects had allegedly struck the two-year-old child in the face with his hand and fist and also used his elbow to severely injure the child.
During the interview of one of the subjects, the subject became extremely belligerent and began yelling and cursing at Sheriff’s detectives and assaulted Detective Kyle Gray causing a severe break to his arm.
Detective Sgt. Chris Edwards and Detective Gary Mehler were called from nearby offices to assist and following a scuffle with the subject/suspect, the 6’01”, 350 pound man was taken into custody. Detectives have determined to their investigation that this suspect, who lived in the home as an acquaintance, was allegedly the male subject who viciously struck the two-year-old child causing severe injuries.
Arrested was Dylan Trace Woods age 24 of Willie Cheek Road, London charged with assault – first-degree; assault – third-degree – police officer is victim.
This individual was also lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Detective Kyle Gray will need surgery to repair his arm. Assisting on the follow-up investigation and arrest was for Laurel County Sheriff’s office – Capt. Kevin Berry, Deputy Travis Napier, Deputy Rick Cloyd, Court Security Officer Shawn Hayre, Kentucky State Police, and London City Police.
Photos of the accused are courtesy of the Laurel County Detention Center.
