Columbia police arrest woman in child abuse investigation

A Columbia woman is accused of child abuse and lying to police after a small child was taken to a hospital Monday with serious injuries.

Police arrested Tabitha L. Sallee, 27, on suspicion of child abuse or neglect and making a false police report, police said in a news release. The Columbia Police Department’s criminal investigations division was called to Lakewood Apartments at Old Highway 63 and East Walnut Street to assist with the investigation, and crime scene investigators remained there Tuesday morning. Police tape was up in front of one apartment building in the complex.

The investigation began after a 4-year-old was admitted to Woman’s and Children’s Hospital on Monday with serious injuries, according to the release.

Sallee originally told police another person came to her house in order to sell her marijuana and smoke with her. She said when he arrived, the child “threw up,” and the man took the child to the bathroom. Sallee told police the man admitted to hitting the child.

However, upon further investigation, police found Sallee had lied about the man at her home. She admitted to lying and told police she shoved the child, causing their head to hit the table. She then admitted to picking up the child and dropping them on the floor, hitting their head at least two times, according to the probable cause statement.

According to medical staff, the child suffered scull and facial fractures and had bleeding in the brain.

Sallee’s bond had not been set Tuesday afternoon.

Columbia police ask anyone with more information regarding this incident to call 573-874-7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-TIPS to remain anonymous.