Two arrested on felony child abuse charges

City police officers arrested an adult and teenager on Thursday on charges of child abuse involving an 18-month-old infant.

Nicole Christiansen, 24, and a 17-year-old teen were booked at the Elmore County Jail, where they were charged with felony injury to a child.

Police responded to Desert Manor Apartments around 10 a.m. that day regarding allegations of child abuse involving the 18 month old girl. They were alerted by a neighbor, who heard noises coming from the residence.

After they arrived on scene, police discovered that the infant had severe bruising and swelling on her face, forehead, head and back. She was transported by ambulance to St. Luke's Elmore Medical Center, where she was treated and later released.

Following an investigation, police removed the child from her mother's custody and placed her into the custody of child protective services for her safety.

"We are proud of our Mountain Home citizens, who are alert and feel comfortable and confident in our police department to call us to handle any situation," said city police chief Nick Schilz. "It is reassuring to know that here in our community, we have a strong dependable relationship with our citizens. A citizen like this makes a difference."