Police: Pennsylvania Teen Pulled Own Teeth, Dad Charged
EASTON, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities say a Pennsylvania teen who pulled two of his own teeth with pliers needed emergency surgery because his father wouldn't take him to the dentist.
Francisco Torres, 41, surrendered to authorities Tuesday after his 14-year-old son used pliers to pull out two of his own teeth to relieve months of pain.
Torres didn't take the boy to the dentist - saying he has neither insurance nor a way to get there.
Easton Police Detective Chris Miller says the boy began complaining of pain in two molars last summer.
"Finally around Jan 16 or 17, the child has so much pain he goes and gets the pliers and pulls one out and then the other," said Miller.
But shards of broken teeth were left behind - and the child required surgery to remove them and to repair his gums.
Robin Rieger reports...
Miller says the boy is now fine and in foster care at the Northampton County Children and Youth Services.
According to authorities, Torres did have what appeared to be a valid insurance card.
"He had an access card, which I think would've covered the dentist visit," Miller said.
Reported by Robin Culverwell, KYW Newsradio
