Posted on 03/23/2006 11:05:16 PM PST by beaversmom
(New York -WABC, March 23, 2006) - A bitter custody battle ended when a man stabbed the mother of his three children then jumped into the frigid waters of New York Harbor while clutching their youngest child, an 8-month-old baby. It happened in Staten Island off of Edgewater Street just after 10:00 a.m. this morning. An NYPD officer witnessed the jump and immediately plunged into the waters to rescue the baby. Dive teams searched for the man.
Eyewitness News reporter Stacey Sager is live at the scene with details.
The father of this baby did not survive, but what this police officer did was truly amazing. He saved an eight-month-old baby boy by jumping into this freezing cold water wearing only his uniform, and risking his own life.
Officer Brian Sheehy, 120 Pct.: "Frigid. I could be a member of the Polar Bear Club now."
But Officer Brian Sheehy says he had no second thoughts when he raced here into the cold water off Edgewater Street in Staten Island after a 911 call about what appeared to be a disturbed father holding his eight-month-old baby near the edge.
Officer Brian Sheehy, 120 Pct.: "Just gave us a big stare and just walked to the water."
Investigators tell us the baby's father was 32-year-old Charles Walker, who was pulled from the water and died shortly after. They say Walker had a criminal record and had stabbed the baby's mother earlier this morning. They lived in the Stapleton Houses nearby where neighbors were saddened to hear about Walker's desperate attempt.
Sheila Taylor, Stapleton Houses Resident: "I wanted to try. You try to help everybody. It blows my mind. I even tried getting him jobs and stuff."
From Officer Sheehy's perspective there was at least one life saved today.
Officer Brian Sheehy, 120 Pct.: "When I first grabbed the baby in the water he was choking. There was obviously water in the mouth. I held him upright and swam to shore with the baby. You always have to expect the unexpected, that's what I've learned."
Ironically Sheehy and his wife are expecting their own baby next fall.
Susan Sheehy, Officer's Wife: "My heart was in my throat. I was very nervous and I'm glad he's okay. I'm glad the baby's okay and I'm very proud of him."
We're told the baby and his mother remain at St. Vincent's Hospital in Staten Island recovering. As for Officer Sheehy, he was released from the hospital this afternoon and said he was going back to work.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
Wow.
Officer Sheehy deserves kudos. I don't see why being a Paddy has anything to do with it.
A woman can drive a man to do this.
Yes, of course he does, I agree one thousandfold.
Being a Paddy, as you just insulted the officer and myself, although I am not insulted and I'll bet he wouldn't be either.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and I consider myself an American in every way everyday...
but I still have a little of the "Old Sod" in me.
Since when is "Paddy" and insult? Most of my friends consider it a high compliment. You should too. :-)
but as I pointed out, I wasn't insulted and never will be, I am wickedly proud of coming from the Irish and I always will be.
Supercop!
Great to see a happy ending.
The mother and baby survived.
The police officer is a hero.
And the idiot who thought the way to settle a custody dispute was to kill a parent and child, will be no further problem.
A woman can drive a man to do this.
----
I hope you never have to test this defense in a court of law.
Heroic Policicle bump!
I can see going back on the wife, but never but a child in danger.
I can see going back on the wife
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I'm not sure what you mean.
"going back on?"
going back as in turn around as in turn on as in kill the bitch.
What I just said is a guess, not a suggestion.
That's not to say the mother is a stellar parent, but at least she wasn't trying to kill anyone.
I am a man, but I do not automatically assume a man is correct.
As far as women, I have been dumped more times than 'Toxic Waste' so you can see I may be influenced.
But, when it comes to kids, I am a large Irishman and big dogs and little kids love me.
And it would be a million sins to abuse that.
I once had a Female Red Dobermann guarding a used car lot 'mouth' my hand.
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