N.Y.C. Police Possibly Impeded By Malfunctioning Elevator In Baby Rescue

October 12, 2008 7:56 a.m. EST

Brooklyn, NY (AHN) - Police officers were reportedly delayed in their attempt to help an 11-day-old baby who went into cardiac arrest at an apartment building Friday.

Police officials reported a 20-second delay in their effort due to a malfunction in the elevator they were taking to transport the child out of the building to an area hospital, where the child later died.

Officers pried the elevator doors open, they said, and ran down the stairs, though building residents say the elevator has been a continuing source of trouble.

The New York City Housing Authority said they reviewed tape from the camera in the elevator, which indicated it was working at the time of the incident.