FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Federal Way Police have arrested a woman for allegedly pouring laundry detergent on an infant she was babysitting.
The babysitter, identified in court papers as Mabinty Williams, was babysitting a four-week-old baby for a family friend at an Federal Way apartment complex on January 10.
A neighbor said Williams knocked on her door around noon and told her a story about an "evil" baby.
"She just knocked on our door, told us there was a random baby in her house and she didn't know where it came from," said the neighbor, who did not want to be identified. "And so we called the cops, and then she said it looked evil."
"She asked if we wanted to come see it, but we just said no and shut the door," added the neighbor.
Instead, they immediately called police. When officers arrived, they found a four-week-old baby with a pile of white powder dumped on its face.
"Instead of reaching out and getting some help, she used chemicals and salt and things like that to pour on the baby," said Cathy Schrock with Federal Way Police.
In court documents filed in King County Superior Court, Federal Way Police say Williams put laundry booster on the baby. The infant could be heard gasping for air as officers wiped away the white powder.
"We are just really happy the neighbor took the initiative to call 911 and get us there as quickly as possible," said Schrock. "I think early intervention with the child is what saved her."
The baby was rushed to the hospital. A doctor reported the infant suffered apparent chemical burns to the mouth and eyes. As of Thursday, the infant's condition was improving.
"Everything looks like it will heal and not have lasting damage," said Schrock.
According to court documents, the baby had only been in Williams' care for about four hours before police arrived. During that time period, she reportedly called her husband 16 times, telling him she needed his help. He did come home at one point, fed the baby and returned to work. A short time later, the police were called and the baby was found in bad condition.
Williams has denied wrongdoing. She is currently in police custody and is due in court later this month.
KING 5's Natalie Swaby contributed to this report.
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