Media Fact Sheet

Date: February 24, 2025

Location: 600 S. Harrison Street

Time: 1415 hours

Details/Summary:

On February 17, 2025, officers from the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) were notified by the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) regarding an investigation into injuries to a two-month-old infant. The child was ultimately transported to the Riley Hospital for Children. However, it was discovered that the infant had numerous injuries including several fractures and subdural hematoma(s). The infant was then transported to Riley Children’s Hospital. Detective Chuck Volz, an investigator with the FWPD Crimes Against Persons Section (CAPS), was assigned to the case as the Lead Detective. During his investigation he learned that the father of the child, Zaire Starks, was involved in causing the injuries. Today, Detective Volz arrested Mr. Starks for the charges listed.

The Fort Wayne Police Department would like to remind our community to seek help if you become overwhelmed while caring for children. Hurting a child doesn’t solve anything.

Suspect Arrested: Zaire Starks, 32 years old

Preliminary Charges: Count I: Neglect Of A Dependent Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 Felony; Count II: Battery To A Minor Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 Felony