A felony arrest warrant was issued Thursday in Comanche County for Elijah Simmons, 20, of Lawton, on a child abuse charge after his 8-month-old daughter was found with a bite mark. According to the arrest affidavit, the baby’s mother reported the injury on Sept. 20 after picking her daughter up from Simmons. Simmons admitted the bite but told investigators it was an accident. The charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison, and a $200,000 cash warrant bond has been set.
The affidavit also describes what Simmons’own mother told police. She said she was awakened by the baby screaming and heard Simmons telling the infant to“shut the (expletive) up.”Family members said Simmons had been diagnosed bipolar and had recently stopped taking his medication, describing his recent behavior as“out of control.”
This story raises hard questions for our community about child safety, mental health support, and how quickly a situation like this can escalate. If you have information about Simmons’whereabouts, contact the Lawton Police Department. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available locally and through statewide crisis lines.
What do you think needs to change so families in Lawton get help before a child gets hurt?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
