Police seek man in Tavares child abuse case after mother arrested for leaving son in critical condition

The police in Tavares, Florida, are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted in connection with a child abuse case that has left a young boy in critical condition. This information was shared in a news release.

Authorities reported that on Saturday, around 10 p.m., they were called to AdventHealth Waterman after a young boy was found with multiple injuries consistent with physical abuse.

The news release stated that medical staff at the hospital worked to save the child’s life before he was airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he remains in critical condition.

Hospital staff told officers that the boy was covered in bruises, burn marks and other injuries in “various stages of healing.”

Police said the boy was brought to the hospital by his mother and another man. The mother was performing CPR on the child while the man ran inside of the hospital for help.

According to the release, the mother and the man “left the hospital after learning that law enforcement was responding to the hospital, all while the juvenile was undergoing CPR.”

Tavares police said the mother returned to the hospital a short time later with another child, but the man was not with them.

The mother – identified as 37-year-old Kimberley Mills – refused to provide officers with any information on how the child was injured, deputies said.

Mills was ultimately arrested and faces charges for aggravated child abuse, while the other child was turned over to the Department of Children and Families, according to the release.

Police said that Mills told DCF officials that the name of the man she was with was 36-year-old Andre Walker.

“Through the evening and into the early morning hours, Detectives conducted a search warrant on Kimberley Mills’ residence where they were able to locate pertinent pieces of evidence,” the release read in part.

In the release, deputies said Waker is from Palm Bay and is now wanted on a warrant for accessory after the fact to aggravated child abuse.

Officials ask that if you see Walker, please contact law enforcement immediately.

He is described as standing about 5 feet, 6 inches tall with a slender build. He also has facial hair where his moustache is dark and his beard is gray.

Deputies said he may be driving a silver 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR5 with Florida License Plate number EQUU98.

According to the release, Mills was taken to the Lake County jail where she is being held without bail.