Over 1,800 traffic charges laid on long weekend in southwestern Ontario
OPP lay charge in the near drowning of toddler in Petrolia
February 17, 2023
Lambton OPP have laid a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm in the near drowning of a Mooretown toddler in Petrolia.
On Jan. 24, just before 3 pm, police and paramedics went to a home on Juniper Crescent after Waylon Saunders, 20 months, fell into a backyard pool. He was without a heart beat for nearly three hours and teams of doctors worked to keep the little boy alive in both Petrolia and London.
Waylon has made what doctors are calling a remarkable recovery and is now at home, walking, talking and playing with his siblings. Yesterday, he stopped at the Central Lambton Family Health Team with his mother, Gillian, to thank the doctors and medical staff who saved his life.
Lambton County building officials posted a notice of work orders for security in and around the pool area on the door of the daycare provider last week.
After a three week investigation, the OPP Crime Unit charged Paula Maness, 50, with criminal negligence causing bodily harm Thursday in connection the incident.
She appeared in court and has been released from custody. Her case returns to court March 22.
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