Security questions after infant's stabbing at Baltimore Social Services building

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Police say a mother stabbed her infant daughter in the chest and neck at a social services building in East Baltimore.

/ CBS Baltimore

(CBS/WJZ/AP) BALTIMORE - A woman's alleged stabbing of her baby in a Baltimore city government building is raising questions of security.

According to CBS Baltimore, police say the mother was at a social services visit in East Baltimore Tuesday morning when she suddenly became irate, pulled out a long kitchen knife, and stabbed her infant daughter in the neck and upper body.

The 8-month-old baby is now listed in stable condition and the mother is in custody. Social Services Department spokesman Det. Donny Moses says the woman will likely be given a mental health evaluation.

Detectives and child abuse investigators are continuing to investigate.

According to CBS Baltimore, although anyone the building is required to show ID, pass through a metal detector and have their bags searched by security, police say the suspect had the knife in her bag and no identification.

The union representing the building workers told the station they have repeatedly complained about lax security.

"As a result of this horrible experience, we can see that there's a lack of resources, a lack of staff and a lack of competent security that is overseeing these facilities," Patrick Moran reportedly said.

The State Department of Human Resources, which is responsible for security, said, "Obviously safety is a paramount concern and we want to do everything we can to make sure nothing like this happens again," CBS Baltimore reported.

A thorough review of security at the building is said to be underway. The state will also look at security policies in other jurisdictions.

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April 24, 2012 - Infant stabbed in the neck at Baltimore Social Services building, police say

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