– by Jim Emerson
BERKELEY, CA — A homeless woman who roams in Berkeley was arrested recently for allegedly trying to kidnap a baby. Leana I. McShane, 49, remains in custody in lieu of $200,000 bond, pending a plea hearing on August 28.
The terrifying incident occurred at Aquatic Park on August 12 shortly before 11 a.m. A stranger approached a grandmother pushing her grandson’s stroller, along the eastside of the park, which parallels adjacent railroad tracks.
Without any warning, the woman later identified as McShane allegedly tried to snatch the infant from his stroller. The stroller flipped over with the 10-month old boy still lying inside.
A commotion and struggle ensued as nearby parkgoers intervened. The infant was pulled away safely from the stranger. Though the baby reportedly sustained minor injuries, which caused some bleeding.
Once the baby was back safely with his grandmother, McShane reportedly walked away. Responding officers found McShane on the mostly deserted westside of Aquatic Park, which runs along San Francisco Bay, and the Interstate 80.
Berkeley police placed McShane under arrest on August 12 at 11:12 a.m. She is now housed at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail.
Multiple felony charges were filed the following day against McShane. Her charges include child abuse, and attempted kidnapping of a victim under age 14. For what happened to the boy’s grandmother, McShane is charged with elder abuse.
