Watch CBS News

NYPD Officers Revive Infant Who Stopped Breathing In Brooklyn

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Brooklyn mother is praising two NYPD officers who used rescue techniques to revive her baby after he had stopped breathing.

Christine Maresca, 32, said she was feeding her 2-week-old son Michael late Sunday night when he started choking and stopped breathing, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.

"It was very scary, it was horrible," Maresca said.

Maresca called 911, desperately asking for help, CBS 2's John Slattery reported.

"He was choking. He couldn't breathe. He was turning color," she said. "I was begging them to please come help, and they did. The police were actually the first to arrive."

NYPD Officers Revive Infant Who Stopped Breathing in Brooklyn

Sgt. Michael Dario and Officer Elias Khan had gotten the call and raced to the home on 74th Avenue in Bensonhurst.

"They ran right here, they were here in 5, 10 minutes," Maresca said.

When the officers got to the scene, the boy was unresponsive and his face turning blue, according to the NYPD.

Dario called for EMS while Khan did a finger-sweep of the infant's mouth to make sure his airway wasn't obstructed and then started patting him on the back.

The child began breathing within 10 to 15 seconds.

"They really did a good job," Maresca said. "I don't know, if they had not come; I can't think about that."

The child was taken to Maimonides Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition.

Maresca's mother, who lives upstairs, also praised the officers.

"They did a good job," she said. "I'm glad they came right away. They came very fast."

Maresca said little Michael will remain hospitalized for a few days.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories:

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.