BLANCHESTER —A Blanchester woman was arrested after police say her 2 year-old child was found to have extensive bruising and abrasions, and police later found drug paraphernalia in the home.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the police department received an anonymous complaint that a 2 year-old child was being abused at 758 S. Broadway St., according to Police Chief Scott Reinbolt.

He said a joint investigation was opened involving the police department and Clinton County Children Services.

“That same day, police officers and a Children Services investigator went to the home in order to see the child, who resides there with his mother and 5 year-old brother,” said Reinbolt. “Officers observed extensive bruising and abrasions on the 2 year-old child’s body. Children Services made arrangements for both children to stay with their grandparents, where they remain.

“Later that same day, at the request of Children Services, the grandparents took the child to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for examination; he was admitted overnight,” said Reinbolt.

He said the investigation, assigned to Cpl. James Beckelhymer and Ptl. Kristen Jeffers, has been ongoing for the past week.

“On Thursday, Sept. 20, Blanchester police officers executed a search warrant at 758 S. Broadway St., where various pieces of evidence were seized, including drug paraphernalia,” Reinbolt said. “Cpl. Beckelhymer traveled to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital yesterday where he met with the team of medical professionals who treated the child.

On Wednesday afternoon police arrested the child’s mother, Joyce Coxwell, 38, and charged her with endangering children, Reinbolt said; she was booked at the police station, served with a summons and released.

“She will answer the charge — which is a misdemeanor offense under Ohio law — in the Clinton County Municipal Court,” he said. “We are appreciative of the assistance of Clinton County Children Services in this investigation.”