UPDATE: Princess Anne Police officer charged with child abuse

SOMERSET CO., Md. – A Deal Island man has been charged following an investigation into child abuse.

Police say the investigation revealed that the suspect, 31-year-old Chad Savage, had a scheduled visitation with his 21-month-old child from September 5th through 8th. When he returned the child to the mother, she reportedly found severe injuries on the child and took the child to the emergency room.

It was learned that Savage has two additional children, ages 7 and 5. Evidence was developed that Savage had severely injured the 7-year-old child in February 2022.

It was ultimately determined that Savage was abusing the children, and police submitted an application for charges. On Friday, Savage was served with the criminal summons, charging him with two counts of second degree child abuse – custodian, and two counts of second degree assault.

It has also been revealed that Chad Savage is an officer with the Princess Anne Police Department. He has been suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.

Princess Anne Police released the following statement to WMDT:

“The Princess Anne Police Department was made aware of the investigation involving PFC Chad Savage by the Somerset County Sheriffs Department and Worcester County Child Protective Services and has cooperated and assisted with the investigating agencies. The case is pending adjudication in the court system and the internal investigation precipitated by these charges is still active and ongoing. As this is a personnel matter no further comment can be made at this time.”