Police: Woman arrested after trying to take baby from stroller
Update: The arrested woman was identified as Leana McShane, 49. Police described her as unhoused.
A homeless woman who tried to grab a 10-month-old baby from his stroller near Aquatic Park in West Berkeley on Tuesday has been arrested, authorities report.
The incident began at about 10:45 a.m. on the east side of the park, Berkeley police said in response to a Scanner inquiry.
The baby's grandmother was pushing him in the stroller when a stranger approached them and grabbed the baby, authorities said.
"She grabbed the baby out of a stroller," a dispatcher advised officers, in response to witness reports. "The stroller then went upside down and the baby was in it."
Police said a "struggle ensued" after the woman grabbed the baby, with passers-by intervening and pulling him to safety.
The baby was described as bleeding after the confrontation, but his injuries appeared to be minor, police said.
Leana McShane. BPD
Afterward, the woman walked away but responding officers found her a few minutes later on the other side of Aquatic Park, BPD said.
The woman, who is in her 40s, was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping and elder abuse, police said.
She was taken to Berkeley Jail.
Her name was not immediately available pending the booking process.
Stay tuned for updates.
Update: The arrested woman was identified as Leana McShane, 49. Police described her as unhoused.
Her booking photograph was added to the story after publication.
