Police arrest Gilbert man after infant suffers fractured ribs, liver injury

PHOENIX — Police arrested a Gilbert man Tuesday on child abuse charges after his infant was taken to the hospital with broken ribs and a lacerated liver, among other injuries.

The Gilbert Police Department said the baby’s father, Nathan Clapp, brought the infant to Cardon Children’s Hospital near Southern Avenue and Dobson Road on Aug. 12.

The baby had seven broken ribs, a head bleed, a lacerated liver and fluid in his lungs.

A doctor reviewed the baby’s chart and said a majority of the injuries were consistent with those caused by blunt force trauma.

Clapp, 36, said he was unsure how the child was injured because he was tired after work. He told police he may have rolled over on the child or the baby may have been hurt when Clapp tripped over a chair while carrying him.

Police searched Clapp’s phones and allegedly found text messages that said he was getting frustrated caring for the baby and his three other children. Another message allegedly said the baby was being fussy and that was the sort of action that led parents to hurt a child.

Clapp had a history of domestic violence, though court documents did not go into further detail.

Clapp was charged with one count of felony child abuse.

The Department of Child Safety was notified about the case.

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