Pontiac mom arrested after baby hospitalized with broken bones

PONTIAC - A 3-month-old baby was rushed to the hospital unconscious with broken bones and bruises. The suspect is the child's young mother from Pontiac, now charged with nearly killing her 3-month-old daughter.

Police say the incident happened at the apartment Constance Johnson, 20, shares with her boyfriend.

"She had become very frustrated with the baby," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "The crying and things associated with little babies and injured her."

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard says it happened last Monday at the apartment Johnson shared with St. Joseph Hospital where the baby was taken  unconscious she wasn't breathing. They administered CPR.

"Very grave condition, it was stabilized and airlifted to Beaumont," Bouchard said.

She was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital where physicians reported the newborn was in critical condition and had bruising, broken ribs and a host of other injuries. Doctors immediately suspected child abuse.

"We understand a young parent is a little overwhelmed and frustrated," Bouchard said. "But to basically put another life in jeopardy because of that frustration is unacceptable."

The mother is being held at the Oakland County Jail and Bouchard said the case is still under investigation.

Johnson is charged with first degree child abuse which is punishable by up to life in prison. As for the baby - she has since been stabilized - but it's unclear if there will be long-term damage.

"The baby's still stable," Bouchard said. "But I wouldn't say it is out of the woods after having been in critical condition and after having CPR. These were very traumatic moments for this baby, so we're keeping our prayers in her direction and hoping she pulls through."