North Reading Officer Saves Baby Stuck Beneath Woman: Police

NORTH READING, MA — A local police officer rescued an infant who was being crushed by a woman as she lay incapacitated on it, officials said. Christina Bianchi, 33, of North Reading was arraigned Tuesday in Woburn District Court on charges of assault and battery on a child with injury, reckless endangerment of a child and resisting arrest after a North Reading Police Officer administered medical attention to an infant in the care of the defendant.

The officer entered a room after hearing muffled cries, allegedly observing the infant's hand emerging from beneath the woman. He immediately provided medical assistance to the baby.

"I commend this North Reading officer for his immediate assessment of the situation and his quick efforts to protect this baby,” said Middlesex DA Marian Ryan. "This incident is a reminder of the important role that law enforcement plays on a daily basis in preventing tragedies."

"There is no doubt that the infant’s life was saved as a result of the officer’s actions," said North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy. "This officer’s exemplary response to a serious and potentially life-threatening situation is the type of accomplishment that embodies the mission of the North Reading Police Department."

Judge Elizabeth Cremens set bail at $1,000 cash and ordered the defendant to comply with conditions of the Department of Children and Families, to not consume any drugs or alcohol and to submit to random screens.

On Saturday at approximately 4 a.m., after being dispatched to the location of an apparent home invasion on Crestwood Drive, a North Reading officer passed by Bianchi's home, and noticed the garage door to be open and other apparent activity in the home.

Believing that he had overheard apparent muffled crying sounds and fearing that the sounds may be those of a person in distress, the officer approached a bedroom window at the rear of the residence where he allegedly observed a woman, later identified as Bianchi, on a bed, not moving, and possibly under the influence of drugs, officials said. He entered the room to provide medical assistance.

The officer then allegedly observed the hand of an infant protruding from beneath Bianchi. The officer immediately lifted Bianchi off the infant and began providing medical assistance. The infant was transported to an area hospital, treated and released.

Bianchi was placed under arrest. Upon being advised that she was being arrested, Bianchi allegedly became combative with officers before being secured and transported to the North Reading Police Department.

The home invasion on Crestwood Drive remains under investigation.