Sedro Woolley Woman Arrested for Assault on Child

Sedro Woolley, WA: On Friday, May 22nd, 2015, Sedro Woolley Police Officers responded to multiple reports of an instance of Child abuse “in progress” inside a Rite Aid store on Moore Street in Sedro Woolley. The callers stated they had observed a female place a blanket over the face of a little boy when the child started screaming. They also stated the woman with the child was very aggressively hitting the child with the blanket. A second  witnesses stated the female took the blanket and placed it over the child in a forceful manner and had used her hand to grip the blanket over the child’s face and squeezed the child’s face with her fingers, keeping the blanket over the child’s face. They were concerned for the safety of the child and were concerned the child could not breathe.

Arriving officers followed the screams of a young child to the make- up aisle.  The Officer, who has children of his own, described the  screams as “lowered and layered”. He stated “They were screams  of a child in distress”.   The woman with the child was contacted and it was discovered the woman was the child’s mother. The child is almost 2 years old.

The Officer said “The child was looking straight ahead with his eyes wide open, not looking at anything. It was similar to seeing someone in shock.”

A second Officer arrived on scene and after interviewing three separate witnesses, they all gave similar stories as what they had witnessed. The officer noted the witnesses were visibly shaken by the incident.

Medics were called to evaluate the child and Officers and Medics did not see any other visible signs of injuries on the child. CPS was contacted and later took possession of the child as well as his brother who was at the  residence of an acquaintance the mother had known for several months.

The mother was advised of her rights and agreed to speak to Officers. She claimed the child was throwing a fit becasue she would not allow him out of the stroller.  The mother stated she did not want to give in and instead attempted to calm the child by putting the blanket on him in a playful throwing motion. She denied striking the child with the blanket and denied putting the blanket or her hand over the child’s mouth, nose or face. She told Officers “My children are my life.”

The officers are continuing to interview witnesses and review survelliance video. The video was not fully available at the time of the incident.

Officers were notified the woman had an outstanding  confirmed warrant for 3rd degree theft out of Mount Vernon.

Officers also believe the woman has an underlying alcohol or drug issue.

She was arrested and placed on an investigative hold for Assault of a Child in the 2nd Degree-DV.

We are not naming the woman to protect the identity of BOTH of her young Children.