The Savage Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are jointly investigating the death of an infant following a medical incident that occurred on Monday, Sept. 22, at the Rocking Horse Ranch childcare facility.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) suspended the childcare’s license on Tuesday, Sept. 23, citing children served at the facility were “at an imminent risk of harm.” The temporary suspension was immediate, and the facility was prohibited from providing child care services.

The order stated that the DCYF was notified of two instances emergency medical services were needed for infants being taken care of at Rocking Horse Ranch who exhibited similar and significant respiratory distress symptoms. The incidents occurred on Friday, Sept. 19, and on Monday, Sept. 22.

One of the children died on Sept. 22. The specific cause of the medical emergencies and death of one child is currently under investigation.

The infant was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and to determine the cause and manner of death. Police issued a statement on Sept. 23 stating the child’s identity will be released after the preliminary autopsy is completed and family notifications are finalized.

As a precautionary measure, the Savage Police Department also advised families with children who attended the facility to closely monitor them and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibited altered mental status, unusual behavior changes, or other concerning symptoms.

Rocking Horse Ranch is located off of Louisiana Avenue, just east of Prior Lake’s border with Savage. According to its website, the childcare center has been in operation since 1992 and has 22 staff members.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to officials. Police will provide updates when additional information becomes available for public release.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Dahmes at (952) 882-2601.