A Hutchinson woman faces felony assault and child endangerment charges after being seen on camera stifling her son's breathing at Children's Hospital in St. Paul, authorities say.
Katie E. Lewis, 24, was at the hospital with the 5-month-old, identified by the initials, C.A.W., after claiming that the boy had stopped breathing and turned blue on multiple occasions, the charges say.
On Friday, the boy was in good condition and in a safe place, St. Paul police spokesman Howie Padilla said.
On Wednesday, hospital staff reportedly told Lewis that nothing was wrong with the baby and that he would be released within hours. Soon after, a nurse monitoring the hospital-room cameras saw Lewis allegedly pinch the boy's nose and cover his mouth, causing his heart and respiration rates to drop.
The mother was arrested and told police later that "she wanted C.A.W. to 'do something' so medical staff could 'find something' and 'help' C.A.W. more quickly," according to the charges filed against her Friday in Ramsey County District Court.
Lewis also allegedly admitted to stifling her son's breathing at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis on April 22.
She is charged with third-degree assault, child endangerment and domestic assault by strangulation. Bail has been set at $50,000.
ANTHONY LONETREE
