Woman Accused of Attacking Pregnant Child Services Worker on Christmas Eve: 'Forced Her to the Ground' By Samira Asma-Sadeque

Authorities in New York have arrested a woman on accusations that she attacked a pregnant child services worker on Christmas Eve.

Melissa Cochrane, 30, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 24, following the alleged assault on a woman in Yonkers, N.Y., the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release.

Investigators allege Cochrane became hostile during an interaction with case workers at the Department of Social Services office in Yonkers on Wednesday. The workers were trying to comply with a court order when Cochrane allegedly became argumentative, according to the press release.

Cochrane then allegedly grabbed the pregnant worker’s neck and chest areas and “forced her to the ground,” according to a felony complaint cited in the press release.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace called the alleged attack a “brazen assault” on a dedicated employee simply doing her job.

“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,” she said in the press statement. “Public servants should never have to fear for their safety when they clock into work.”

It wasn’t immediately clear if the alleged victim suffered injuries or needed medical attention.

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Cochrane was arrested on three counts of second degree assault, one count of third-degree assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, per the DA’s office.

She was released without bail on her own recognizance and is expected in court on Jan. 8.