BURRILLVILLE – A 24-year-old Burrillville woman has been charged with felony cruelty/neglect after she was reportedly found intoxicated and asleep next to her two-month-old baby, who was covered in blood.
The child has since been evaluated and is doing well, according to the father, who reported the incident to police.
Stephanie Belanger was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 16, and a report on the incident has been sent to the state Attorney General’s office for screening.
According to the arrest report, the baby’s father discovered Belanger passed out on the couch with the child nearby, crying hysterically and covered in blood. When she woke up, she said she did not know what happened to the baby, and left the residence while the father called 9-1-1.
Police discovered Belanger hiding in the nearby brush and highly intoxicated, according to the report. The child was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Belanger was also brought to the hospital for evaluation due to her high level of intoxication.
Officers has since checked back with the father, who reportedly followed up and had the baby evaluated for internal injuries. He has since told police he believes the blood came from cuts inside the child’s mouth.
Belanger was released on a summons to appear in RI 6th District Court at a later date.
