The parents of a 1-year-old girl in Staten Island had a terrifying experience when their daughter was thrown down a trash chute by her own uncle. The incident took place in their apartment building on Steuben Street near Weser Avenue in Park Hill. The father was in the bathroom at the time when the 39-year-old man allegedly dropped the child down the chute.
Upon leaving the restroom, the father inquired about his daughter’s whereabouts, only to be told by his brother that he had thrown her down the chute. Hearing the cries of their baby, the parents rushed down to the first floor where they found her trapped in the chute. They managed to break open the door and rescue her, finding her with only minor scratches on her head, face, and body.
The child was taken to Richmond University Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Meanwhile, the uncle, who is described as autistic by relatives, was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. The child’s father expressed shock at his brother’s actions, stating that he had never seen him behave in such a manner before.
The Staten Island DA’s Office is currently investigating the case to determine whether charges will be pressed against the uncle. The family is still reeling from the traumatic incident, grateful that their daughter escaped with relatively minor injuries. The quick actions of the parents in rescuing their child from the trash chute undoubtedly saved her from a much worse fate.
