Man taken into custody for abuse of a Tavares child resulting in hospitalization

TAVARES, Fla. – Police in Tavares say they have arrested a man wanted in a child abuse case that left a boy in critical condition over the weekend.

After a boy was brought to AdventHealth Waterman on Saturday night, police initiated a search for Andre Walker, aged 36. Walker had entered the hospital seeking assistance while the child’s mother was outside performing CPR on the boy.

However, police said Walker and the mother, identified as 37-year-old Kimberley Mills, left when they learned law enforcement had been notified.

Upon returning to the hospital without Walker, Mills, the child’s mother, declined to provide any details about the various injuries the boy had sustained. These injuries, such as bruises, burn marks, and other wounds at different stages of healing, appeared to indicate physical abuse.

The boy was airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Elizabeth Edmond, who lives near the home, expressed shock upon learning about the situation.

“I’m shocked because I see a lot of kids walking up and down and going up to the bus stop, and I have kids,” she said.

Neighbor Sandra Lane said she rarely saw the two children playing outside during the eight months the family lived in the neighborhood.

“I did see the two little boys playing in their yard once, and they waved to me and my daughter while we were walking,” Lane recalled.

Other neighbors expressed hope that Mills and Walker will be held accountable.

“I was real shocked when I found out what happened, and it’s real sad,” one neighbor said.

Miller was arrested and faces charges of aggravated child abuse.

Walker was wanted on a warrant for accessory after the fact to aggravated child abuse.