NORTH READING – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and North Reading Chief of Police Michael Murphy have announced that Christina Bianchi, 33, of North Reading, was arraigned Tuesday in Woburn District Court on charges of assault and battery on a child with injury, reckless endangerment of a child and resisting arrest after a North Reading Police Officer administered medical attention to an infant in the care of the defendant.
“I commend this North Reading officer for his immediate assessment of the situation and his quick efforts to protect this baby,” said District Attorney Ryan. “This incident is a reminder of the important role that law enforcement plays on a daily basis in preventing tragedies.”
“There is no doubt that the infant’s life was saved as a result of the officer’s actions,” said North Reading Chief Murphy. “This officer’s exemplary response to a serious and potentially life-threatening situation is the type of accomplishment that embodies the mission of the North Reading Police Department.”
Judge Elizabeth Cremens set bail at $1,000 cash and ordered the defendant to comply with conditions of the Department of Children and Families, to not consume any drugs or alcohol and to submit to random screens.
On September 2, 2017, at approximately 4:00 a.m., after being dispatched to the location of an apparent home invasion on Crestwood Drive, a North Reading officer passed by the home of Christina Bianchi in North Reading, and noticed the garage door to be open and other apparent activity in the home.
Believing that he had overheard apparent muffled crying sounds and fearing that the sounds may be those of a person in distress, the officer approached a bedroom window at the rear of the residence where he allegedly observed a woman, later identified as Bianchi, on top of a bed, not moving and possibly under the influence of drugs. Believing Bianchi may be in need of immediate medical assistance the officer entered the bedroom.
Upon approaching Bianchi the officer allegedly observed the hand of an infant protruding from beneath Bianchi. The officer immediately lifted Bianchi off the infant and began providing medical assistance to the infant. The infant was transported to an area hospital, treated and released.
Bianchi was subsequently placed under arrest. Upon being advised that she was being arrested Bianchi allegedly became combative with officers before being secured and transported to the North Reading Police Department.
The home invasion on Crestwood Drive remains under investigation.
These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.