Dirty diaper causes caustic burns on boy

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Western Pennsylvania police say a 3-year-old boy left in a dirty diaper for days in a squalid apartment developed caustic second-degree burns, and his 4-year-old sister had similar but less-severe injuries.

Greensburg police say an uncle called authorities after a Christmas Day visit, saying the boy screamed in pain as the uncle picked him up.

The boy is being treated at West Penn Hospital’s burn unit. The girl was treated and placed in custody of Westmoreland County child welfare officials.

The father, 34-year-old Jesus Rodriguez, of Greensburg, is in Westmoreland County jail charged with aggravated assault, child endangerment and related counts. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant in Philadelphia on drug charges.

The children’s mother is in jail for a reason police didn’t explain.

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