CARY – A 3-month-old child severely injured after allegedly being shaken by her unlicensed day care provider has been released from the hospital, Cary police said.
 
Alvin D. Santiago, 31, of Cary, was charged with aggravated battery to a child after a six-week investigation into injuries to a child that authorities said were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

The unlicensed day care center that Santiago ran out of his home in the 300 block of Ann Street has been shut down, according to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services in Chicago. The agency's investigation into alleged abuse and neglect is ongoing.

Authorities were called to the home Sept. 17 for a report of an unconscious infant who was not breathing, according to a news release. Santiago was responsible for the child and several others at the time.

Santiago became frustrated and impatient with the child, and at some point shook her, Cary Detective Sgt. Ed Synek said.

“The most common triggers in an incident like this usually centers around a baby who is inconsolable or won’t stop crying, which causes a high level of frustration,” Synek said. “If people with young children ever feel frustrated or have reached their limit, reach out to somebody for help.” 

The child was stabilized and taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, where it was determined that she had suffered significant head trauma, police said. The girl later was transferred to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge because of the severity of her injuries.

She underwent several surgeries and since has been released from the hospital, Synek said.

Santiago was arrested and charged Thursday. He posted bond and is next scheduled to appear in court Nov. 20.

DCFS officials advised parents to call the information day care hotline at 877-746-0829 to verify whether a day care center or home is licensed.