A 27-year-old father from Lakewood, Washington, Fran Fruean, has been arrested on charges of first-degree assault after confessing to shaking his two-month-old son violently for five minutes out of frustration over the infant’s crying. The baby sustained severe injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, broken ribs, and a fractured collarbone, and remains in critical condition on life support at Mary Bridge Hospital.
Fruean admitted to delaying medical attention for six hours following the incident, during which he placed the infant face down in his crib and went to sleep. The child’s mother, who was running errands at the time, discovered the unresponsive baby upon returning home. Although she was present at the time, she has not been charged.
This is not Fruean’s first brush with the law regarding child abuse, as he has a history of similar allegations. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have executed a search warrant at the family’s residence to collect further evidence. If the infant does not survive, charges could be escalated to first-degree murder.
The incident has left the Lakewood community reeling, with residents expressing shock and concern over the tragic case. Although specific public reactions have not been detailed, such events often spark conversations around child safety, parental responsibility, and the need for stronger support systems for families in distress.
Local authorities and community leaders are likely to emphasize the importance of child welfare awareness and preventive measures. Discussions may emerge in community forums as residents seek ways to protect vulnerable children and offer resources to families in crisis. This heartbreaking incident has prompted renewed calls for vigilance and support within the Lakewood community.