An accused child abuser was arrested this morning by Vicksburg police following more than two months of investigation, Chief Walter Armstong said.

Derrick Cox, 30, 16 Valencia Circle, Jackson, was picked up on an outstanding warrant, charged with child abuse and causing serious injuries to his 2-year-old daughter in November.

Cox was arrested at the home of his girlfriend — not the child’s mother — at 901 Blossom Lane, Apt. C4, located in the Apple Orchard apartment complex off Indiana Avenue, the chief said.

“We have been looking for this guy since early November and because of citizen involvement and a concerned individual we were able to locate him,” Armstrong said.

The woman with whom Cox was staying was not charged, Armstrong said.

Bond for Cox was set at $75,000.

The child’s injuries were reported to police Nov. 9 by River Region Medical Center, where she had been taken for treatment, he said. “She was later transferred to University Medical Center for treatment of blunt-force trauma to the head and other injuries.” She had been beaten with a broom handle, the chief said.

The child and her siblings, ages 6 and 8, have been placed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services with a family member, he said.

Cox previously has been convicted of several misdemeanor charges, including domestic violence and simple assault by threat, Armstrong said.

“We encourage citizens to get involved and report any suspicious activity to the police,” he added. “We made two arrests this morning because of citizens calling us. We will keep anything you tell us confidential.”

Two house burglaries reported in Vicksburg

Two residential burglaries were reported in the city Thursday, police Lt. Bobby Stewart said.

A home in the 1700 block of Lane Street was reported burglarized at 12:13 p.m. Stolen was a pink and brown purse valued at $40, miscellaneous personal items and $40.

A home in the 2900 block of Laurel Street was reported burglarized at 1:26 p.m. Stolen was an Acer Netbook valued at $300 and an HP laptop valued at $800.

2 car break-ins reported in city

Two auto break-ins were reported in the city Thursday, but nothing was reported stolen, police Lt. Bobby Stewart said.

A 1992 Jaguar XJ6 in the 1600 block of Sky Farm Avenue was reported burglarized at 8:15 a.m. and a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan was reported broken into at 10:20 a.m. Both glove compartments were ransacked.Police do not believe the break-ins are related.