Struthers man appears in court on a child endangering charge

Struthers man appears in court on a child endangering charge

STRUTHERS

Robert Purfey Jr., 32, of Park Avenue, is in the Mahoning County jail on $150,000 bond after appearing in Struthers Municipal Court on Monday for one count of child endangering,

The second-degree felony charge is in connection with serious injuries to Purfey’s 8-week-old son, who is in critical condition and on life support at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley, said Detective Jeffrey Lewis of the Struthers Police Department.

“We’re following it up like any other case, but any injury to children is traumatic for everyone,” Lewis said.

The Struthers Fire Department received a 911 call from Purfey on Friday morning. Responders to the Park Avenue home found that the infant was in respiratory distress, with a baby wipe obstructing his airway, Lewis said.

Other evidence collected by emergency personnel was a pair of scissors and a bath towel, both of which were stained with blood.

Police were called to the hospital shortly afterward to investigate the child’s case, which could also include charges of felonious assault and tampering with evidence.

Lewis added that the county prosecutor will review the case to determine if any additional charges should be added. In addition, if the infant’s condition worsens, the charges against Purfey would increase, he said.

While at Akron Children’s Hospital, officers obtained a statement from Purfey, whose initial story, Lewis said, was “not physically possible.”

Purfey is scheduled for a July 15 preliminary hearing, but a Mahoning County grand jury could consider the case prior to that — even as soon as Thursday, Lewis said.

Previously, Purfey has faced charges of drug and drug paraphernalia possession, along with driving under suspension.