Law enforcement officers in Calhoun County, Michigan, were praised as heroes after saving a toddler from her mother, who allegedly attempted to drown and poison the child on June 24.
The shocking events took place at a residence on Bluestem Court in Albion, triggering a swift and heroic response from authorities.
According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, they received a 9-1-1 call from children at the address asking for help. After deputies arrived at the scene, they heard commotion coming from behind a locked door. Due to the urgency of the situation, an officer from the Albion Department of Public Safety (ADPS) kicked open the door, which revealed a disturbing sight.
Inside the bathroom, 35-year-old Jessica Edward-Ricks was found hunched over in a bathtub, holding her 2-year-old child under the water.
Body-cam footage captured the dramatic moment when officers rushed into the room and swiftly rescued the small child from the suspect’s grasp. Officers immediately transported the toddler to the living room and initiated CPR, which effectively saved her life. Miraculously, after a few crucial breaths, the child coughed up water and began breathing again.
The incident also revealed that the 2-year-old victim had sustained stab wounds to her chest, while a 4-year-old boy in the house had suffered cuts. Authorities suspect that both children may have ingested cleaning fluid. Thankfully, the 8-year-old and 15-year-old siblings displayed no visible injuries.
Upon detaining Jessica Edward-Ricks, the responding deputy confirmed that she was the mother of the four children present in the residence. Due to concerns regarding her potential ingestion of cleaning fluid, the suspect was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Jessica Edward-Ricks faces two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of first-degree child abuse and two counts of second-degree child abuse, according to law enforcement sources.
Authorities have reported that both injured children are currently in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
Chief Scott Kipp of the Albion Police Department commended the decisive actions of ADPS Lieutenant Phipps and Deputy Winder from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department. “Their quick response and decisive actions helped to save the life of the 2-year-old child,” he said.
