Police: Man used ‘instruments’ to abuse children

2 children taken to hospital with injuries

JANESVILLE, Wis. — A Janesville man is accused of physically abusing two children and injuring them with a “series of instruments,” according to Janesville police.

Police said a tip from someone outside the city about a possible child abuse led officers to 1306 N. Washington Street at 6:02 p.m. Wednesday. The children were not at the address but were later located walking with an adult from a residence in the 600 block of South Main Street.

The children had injuries to their arms, legs, heads and faces, according to police. There were also other injuries that were not initially visible.

Officers said the children were injured over an eight hour period and a series of instruments might have been used.

“The children reported being kicked, punched, choked, hit with kitchen utensils and a hammer, choked to the point where they lost consciousness,” Janesville Deputy Police Chief Dan Davis said. “This was a pretty severe case compared to what we normally see.”

Police said Brandon L. Quinn, 23, beat the children because he could not find a movie he wanted to watch.

The children were taken to Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center for treatment.

Police said they recovered evidence when they carried out a search warrant later Wednesday night.

Quinn was arrested on suspicion of physical abuse to a child. Police said additional charges might be possible.