PRESS RELEASE
On 5-1-2016 Cody Allen, age 23 of Mountain Home was placed into custody on an Investigative Hold related to an active child abuse investigation the Flippin Police Department was conducting. On 5-3-2016 Allen was formally charged with Battery in the First Degree, a Class Y Felony. On 5-1-2016 the Flippin Police Department responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex in Flippin for an unresponsive two year old female. Officers observed this two year old female to have extensive and severe bruising over her body and specifically on her head. The two year old female was air lifted to a hospital in another state for medical attention. Officers from the Flippin Police Department initiated an investigation into the injuries of the child. Officers were first told the child fell down a set of stairs, but the injuries appeared too severe for that explanation. Some officers from the Flippin Police Department traveled to the out of state hospital where the victim child was transported for medical attention while other officers from the Flippin Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office processed the scene. Working together officers obtained evidence developing Allen as a suspect in the case and placed him into custody for investigative purposes. Officers continued the investigation throughout the 48 hour period which included approximately 20 interviews, a search of a residence, and analyzing a number of electronic and phone records. Officers learned the child had been placed on life support at the medical facility and that the child has a very low likelihood of survival. Officers learned from medical staff that the injuries to the child were sustained from impact from an object and if the child survives she is expected to have severe brain damage. On 5-3-16 Officers conducted an interview with Allen at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office regarding his involvement in this incident. Immediately following the interview Allen attempted to commit suicide in the Marion County Detention Facility. Subsequently, staff at the Marion County Detention Facility arranged for Allen to be assessed regarding his mental health. Allen was assessed and has now been transported to a mental health facility for further evaluation regarding his mental status. At the time the mental health facility releases Allen he will be transported back to the Marion County Detention Facility and allowed the opportunity to post bond. On 5-3-16 Officers applied for and were granted an arrest warrant for Cody Allen for Battery in the First Degree, a Class Y Felony. This charge may be amended if the child passes away. Bond for Allen was set at $500,000.00 by Judge Jason Duffy. The investigation will continue regarding this incident and additional arrests of other persons or charges against Allen or others involved in this incident may be made at a later date. Allen is also on parole supervision with the Arkansas Department of Community Correction and may face additional charges related to parole violations.
Dusty Smith
Flippin Police Department