Riverside Police Department Press Release

Child Falls from 2nd Story Window

Riverside, Ca-  On December 4, 2002 at approximately 1022 hours, Riverside Police Officers were called to the apartment complex located at 3414 6th Street regarding an injured 2 year-old child. Upon arrival, officers discovered a child who had fell from a 2nd story bedroom window.

According to the child’s mother and aunt, the child had been playing near the open window when she lost her balance and began to fall. The mother attempted to prevent the child’s fall, however, she could only manage to grab the child’s clothing and diaper. The child was transported to Riverside Community Hospital where she is currently being treated for injuries sustained during the fall. The child was identified by her mother as Brittany Bernich.

Based on the circumstances, members of the Riverside Police Department’s Child Abuse unit responded in order to investigate the possibility of criminal negligence contributing to the child’s fall. After surveying the scene and conducting interviews of witnesses, it has been determined the fall was accidental.