Local father arrested after allegedly refusing to let doctors treat daughter with life-threatening infection

A Idaho Falls man was arrested after authorities say he refused to allow doctors to treat his daughter, who was reportedly dying from sepsis. Joshua Bailey, 34, of Shelley, is charged with felony injury to a child in Bonneville County, Idaho. Police were summoned Sept. 23 to Idaho Falls Community Hospital for a reported 'potential disgruntled parent' surrounding a critically ill 10-year-old with cerebral palsy and feeding tubes. Doctors said the girl had a serious bacterial infection that might be septic, and Bailey would not permit tests to determine the cause or to examine the feeding tubes. Medical staff warned that delaying testing and treatment could worsen her condition and that every hour increased the risk of death. A deputy and medical staff proceeded with an imminent danger form to authorize intervention, with prosecutors approving the step, and Child Protective Services assisting. A warrant for Bailey's arrest was issued on December 10, and he was not taken into custody until June, posting a $25,000 bond. The current status of the child and legal proceedings were not disclosed in court records. Authorities described the action as a life-saving measure based on the doctors' assessment that immediate care was necessary.