AVENTURA, FLA. (WSVN) - - A 60-year-old woman is facing charges of child neglect and battery after she allegedly grabbed a 4-month-old baby out of a stroller at the Aventura Mall, Sunday.
According to the arrest report, Martha Lucida Pratt, of Aventura, walked up to a woman and her infant child while they were at the mall with the child’s father. Without warning, Pratt reportedly grabbed the baby by the shirt while the child was inside the stroller.
“You were arrested for child neglect and two counts of battery,” said Judge Mindy Glazer of the Florida 11th Circuit Court.
The mother of the child, attempted to defend her baby and push Pratt away. During this interaction, Pratt allegedly smacked the mother’s right hand, causing her pain and discomfort. The mother’s husband reported that Pratt was yelling obscenities at the scene and expressed intentions to take the baby before fleeing the mall.
“She went up and tried to take somebody’s baby at the Aventura mall, she tried to grab a 4-month-old baby,” said Glazer.
Officers were able to locate Martha Pratt in the parking lot of the Aventura Branch Library, adjacent to the Aventura Mall property, based on a clothing description from a lookout order. Pratt was positively identified as the suspect who had allegedly assaulted the baby and the child’s mother.
According to the arrest report, she said that Pratt “… Walked up and unexpectedly grabbed her 4-month-old child, by the shirt, while she was inside of her baby stroller.”
The child’s mother tried to fight off the attack and was then slapped in the hand. Witnesses told police that Pratt “…Was yelling obscenities at the scene and stated she wanted to take the baby with her.”
Pratt took off running instead, but police tracked her down in a mall parking lot.
She’s been ordered to stay away from the family and the baby and she’ll have to do her shopping elsewhere.
“And I think she should stay away from Aventura Mall,” added Glazer.
The woman was arrested for battery and child neglect, transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without incident, and reportedly showed no signs of injury or illness during the process. She was also sent to a local hospital for evaluation.
The baby was reported to be safe.
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