Police search for Woodstock man accused of shaking, seriously injuring baby

Police are searching for a 36-year-old Woodstock man accused of shaking and seriously harming an infant.

Eric H. Hanstad, of the 1800 block of Sebastian Drive, is accused of intentionally and knowingly causing harm to the young girl, according to a criminal complaint. Police allege that Hanstad shook the infant, causing bleeding in her brain, two skill fractures, retinal hemorrhages, bruises to her right inner ear and swelling of her neck, according to the complaint.

Hanstad is charged with aggravated domestic battery. If he were convicted of the most serious count, he could be sentenced to between six and 30 years in prison.

The Woodstock Police Department launched its investigation Nov. 11. That day, the city's fire department received a report of "an infant who had been dropped and had stopped breathing," according to a news release police sent Monday.

Early in the investigation, police determined that the caller's account of events didn't match the infant's injuries, according to the release. The baby was subsequently taken to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where evaluations by medical professionals revealed that the infant had suffered extensive head, eye and neck trauma, according to the release.

Medical staff determined that the trauma to the infant was intentional and consistent with the having been "violently shaken," according to the release.

Investigators interviewed anyone who had contact with the infant before the injuries were discovered. Those interviews and evidence that was collected led to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office to approve felony charges against Hanstad.

An update on the child's condition was not immediately available Monday.

A judge has not yet determined a bond amount for Hanstad, who remained at large Monday afternoon. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact the Woodstock Police Department at 815-338-2131.