Trooper Saves Newborn's Life

PASADENA, Md. (WJZ) -- A Pasadena woman gave birth along the side of a busy interstate in Anne Arundel County. 

Jessica Kartalija has the family's incredible story.

Monday morning, Melissa Dicus began to feel sharp pains and told her boyfriend Loren Weinstein their baby was coming.

"I didn't think it was until I saw water break in our driveway," Weinstein said.

"I was like, `I think I have to push,' and he's like, `No, don't push,' and I said, `I can't stop it,'" Dicus said.

The Pasadena couple jumped in Weinstein's Impala and began the 10-minute drive to Baltimore Washington Medical Center.  Weinstein had to pull over less than a mile from the hospital when the baby was born.

On his way to work, State Police Sergeant Daniel McLain was stuck in traffic when he saw the couple.

"There was a male running around outside the car, frantically opening doors and the trunk," McLain said.

"I was trying to find blankets because it was cold out," Weinstein said.

"He was hyperventilating running around the car.  All he kept saying was, `She had the baby in the car,'" McLain said.

But the baby girl, born six weeks early, wasn't breathing. 

"I noticed the baby was blue," McLain said.

"I didn't know what would happen.  She was early and she was little and she was blue and I didn't know what to do with her.  It was scary," Dicus said.

"By the time the fire department arrived, the baby seemed to be doing well," McLain said.

Mom and baby were taken to the hospital where, thanks to McLain, both are in good condition.

"Thank you, you probably saved my baby's life," Dicus said.

"I hugged a cop for the first time in my life.  He's part of my family now," Weinstein said.

This is the second baby McLain has delivered.  He's a 20-year veteran of the Maryland State Police Department.

Dicus says if she has any advice for pregnant women, it's to get to the hospital on time.