April 22, 2025 4:00 a.m.

A Myrtle Creek man was recently arrested by the Myrtle Creek Police Department following an extensive investigation conducted by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.

A release from the SCSO provided to News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN on Monday, said the investigation stemmed from a report of suspected child abuse involving a six-week-old infant. 24-year-old Gage Dubuc was detained on April 16th.

On December 26th, 2024, the SCSO Major Crimes Unit was contacted regarding an infant who had been transported to Mercy Medical Center in Redding for difficulty breathing. Medical personnel discovered the child had sustained multiple serious injuries, including fractured ribs, a fractured tibia, and intracranial bleeding. Due to the severity of the injuries and concern for potential child abuse, the infant was transferred to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento for advanced care.

The release said doctors at UC Davis confirmed the presence of new brain bleeds compared to a prior MRI, as well as multiple rib fractures in various stages of healing. Both of the infant’s tibias were fractured in a manner consistent with forceful twisting. Medical experts concluded the combination of injuries was consistent with ongoing, non-accidental trauma, and highly concerning for child abuse.

Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Dubuc was the infant’s biological father and one of the infant’s primary caregivers.

Based on the totality of the evidence, including medical findings and witness statements, the Major Crimes Unit submitted the case to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office requesting charges against Dubuc. On April 16th, a felony warrant was issued for Probable Cause Child Abuse with Great Bodily Injury.

Dubuc is being held in the Douglas County Jail. The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office has initiated the extradition process to transfer Dubuc to the Shasta County Jail. Bail is set at $100,000.