Distressing Incident Involving Infant and Pepper Spray
A distressing incident unfolded when a 6-month-old baby was taken to the hospital in serious condition after someone used pepper spray during an argument, according to the St. Marys Police Department.
Details of the Altercation
Authorities reported that the altercation began when 19-year-old Amiera Ford intentionally deployed pepper spray, targeting both the baby and the 17-year-old mother. Police arrived at a residence on Pindale Court to find EMS already on the scene. The arrest report revealed that the baby girl struggled to breathe, displaying a swollen face and shut eyes.
The mother of the 17-year-old explained to police that she and her daughter were leaving home and trying to get into their car when Ford drove into their driveway. According to the mother, Ford began yelling at the 17-year-old, who was in the process of securing her baby in a car seat. It was during this confrontation that Ford sprayed them with pepper spray.
Investigation Findings
Further investigation revealed that Ford had followed the 17-year-old mother home, parked her car, and waited for the teenager to return. The report indicated that Ford eventually left but returned later in a black SUV, accompanied by several individuals.
When the 17-year-old returned home and tried to load her baby into the car, the occupants of the SUV reportedly exited and attempted to attack her. An adult witness told police that her son tried to intervene to protect the 17-year-old, but his efforts were insufficient to prevent the mother and her baby from being pepper sprayed.
The witness recounted that the teenager pleaded with Ford to stop spraying the baby, but her pleas went unheard. The witness also informed police that when the teenager threatened to call the authorities, Ford and the individuals with her fled in the SUV.
Arrest and Charges
Hours later, officers apprehended Ford at the Lake Point Apartment complex in Kingsland, where she resides. She now faces charges of first-degree felony child abuse and two counts of battery.
