Lambton OPP Headquarters Petrolia (Blackburnnews.com File Photo)Lambton OPP Headquarters Petrolia (Blackburnnews.com File Photo)
Sarnia

Petrolia woman charged following near drowning of toddler

A 50-year-old Petrolia woman is charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm related to the near drowning of a nearly two-year-old child in a backyard pool.

Just before 3 p.m. on January 24, the OPP and Lambton EMS responded to a report of a child falling into a pool at a home on Juniper Crescent.

As a result of the investigation, members of the Lambton County Crime Unit, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, arrested the accused on February 16.

Following the incident, Gillian Burnett told Sarnia News Today that her son, Waylon, was without a heartbeat for about two hours, and was given a 10 per cent chance of survival.

Waylon was transported to hospital in London for treatment and was later released.

Due to the brain damage Waylon sustained, his left side was compromised. However, Burnett said he is trying to use his left limbs and will continue with physical therapy.

A Go Fund Me page raised over $21,000 for the family.

Paula Maness has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on March 22.

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