Authorities in New York say they have arrested a Yonkers woman accused of assaulting a pregnant Department of Social Services employee on Christmas Eve.
Melissa Cochrane, 30, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 24, according to a press release from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators allege the incident unfolded at the Department of Social Services office in Yonkers while case workers were attempting to comply with a court order. During that interaction, Cochrane allegedly became hostile and argumentative, the release states.
According to a felony complaint cited in the press materials, Cochrane is accused of grabbing the pregnant worker in the neck and chest area and “forc[ing] her to the ground.”
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace condemned the alleged assault, calling it a “brazen” attack on an employee carrying out her duties.
“The safety of our social services employees, who go out into the community every day to provide essential services to those in need, is non-negotiable,” Cacace said in the statement. “Public servants should never have to fear for their safety when they clock into work.”
Officials did not immediately say whether the alleged victim was injured or required medical care.
Cochrane was charged with three counts of second-degree assault, one count of third-degree assault, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, according to the DA’s office. She was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.
