Police Seek Couple on the Run After Tot Burned and Bruised

Police extended their search into Massachusetts on Tuesday seeking a Plaistow, NH couple accused of abusing a 3-year-old child.

The child's mother, Jessica Linscott, 23, and her boyfriend, Roland Dow, 27, have apparently been seen locally.

Lt. William Baldwin of the Plaistow Police Department told WMUR-TV 9 in Manchester, NH, that Linscott and Dow have been seen in places as far away as Swampscott.

The Manchester (NH) Union Leader reported that the 3-year-old's grandmother, Helen Nicholson, of Melrose, Mass., does not think authorities will find the couple. 

Nicholson said her son, who died two years ago, was the boy's father. She also told the newspaper that Linscott and Dow "have been dating for about a year and that James was often left with her or Linscott's mother."

The news report says the couple is wanted for allegedly abusing Linscott's child.

On Friday Linscott and Dow were charged with endangering the welfare of a child and neglect, and police are also considering multiple first-degree assault charges, Baldwin told the Manchester Union Leader.

Police have told the media that Exeter Hospital doctors found that the boy had signs of head injuries and his body was covered with bruises and burns when they first saw him last Wednesday. 

The head injuries reportedly impaired the child's vision.

The boy is being cared for at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.

Swampscott police Det. Tim Cassidy asks that if anyone sees the couple that they report it to police at 781-595-1111. If they are seen in traffic it is helpful to note the plate number and the location of the vehicle.

People can report it anonymously through the department's mobile tip line.