Inset: Marlene Rodriguez (Ocean County Jail). Background: The block in Brick Town, New Jersey, where Rodriguez allegedly stabbed her 2-year-old brother (Google Maps).

Law enforcement officials swiftly apprehended Rodriguez on Saturday, charging her with several serious felonies. These charges include attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crime.

Details from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office reveal that the Brick Township Police Department responded to an urgent 911 call around 2:30 p.m. The call reported a medical emergency at a residence on Burke Lane, located approximately 65 miles south of Manhattan. Upon arrival, officers discovered the young boy suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound to his chest.

First responders quickly moved the severely injured child to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Medical personnel acted promptly, ensuring the boy received the necessary care. As of Sunday morning, authorities confirmed that the child sustained serious injuries but remains in stable condition, thankfully out of life-threatening danger.

Authorities said the victim suffered severe but non-life-threatening injuries and was listed as being in stable condition as of Sunday morning.

“An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Rodriguez — the victim’s sister — was the individual responsible for the stabbing,” the release states. “Rodriguez was taken into custody at Brick Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.”

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended his office’s Major Crime Unit, the local police department and the county sheriff’s office for their “collective efforts” in the investigation.

Authorities have not released details about a possible motive for the alleged attack.

In addition to the attempted murder and child endangerment charges, Rodriguez is also facing one count of unlawful possession of a weapon as well as one count of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose. It was not immediately clear when she was scheduled to make her first appearance in court.