Baby Falls 21 Feet in Hamden, but Miraculously Escapes Serious Injury

A 1 year-old Hamden baby fell 21 feet from a second-story window Wednesday night on East Gate Lane, police said.

The toddler, who was taken to a local hospital, miraculously escaped serious injuries and a wet cardboard box may have cushioned the toddler’s fall, police said.

Police responded to 13 East Gate Lane at 9:30 p.m. on a report of a dispute.

Investigation revealed that residents Katelynn Ruff, 25, and Christopher Demange, 30, were involved in a verbal dispute, which escalated into a physical altercation, police said.

Demange’s mother, who resides with the couple intervened. Ruff allegedly pushed her, police said. Demange fled from the residence, as his mother contacted Hamden Police.

Moments later, another resident, who is a relative of Christopher Demange, heard a “thud” against the residence, police said.

He quickly went outside to investigate and found a neighbor holding Ruff’s 1 year-old daughter.

The child was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital and was listed in stable condition. Further investigation revealed that the child fell from the 2nd floor window approximately 21 feet, police said. A wet cardboard box, which was located at the base of the complex, may have cushioned the fall, police said.

Katelynn Ruff was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, risk of Injury to a minor and disorderly conduct. Ruff, who was detained on a $10,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden.

Christopher Demange was found by officers hiding in a wooded area behind the complex, police said. He was charged with risk of injury to a minor, disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order. Demange, who was released after posting a $5,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in court in Meriden.

Detective John Marks of the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Division is continuing the investigation.