Woman Accused of Critically Wounding Niece, 1, While Allegedly Trying to Stab Dog Who Stole Her Sandwich

Sharon Key was charged after her sister allegedly found her with a knife next to her wounded niece, say authorities

An Indiana woman faces charges after police allege she accidentally stabbed her 1-year-old niece while trying to attack her dog who'd stolen her chicken sandwich, according to FOX59, the Indianapolis Star, and KFOR.

Sharon Key, 32, has been charged with a criminal act using deadly weapon and neglecting a dependent, according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE.

The incident took place at a Wyndham hotel in Indianapolis, on Tuesday evening, after Key and her family went to Burger King to pick up food, according to FOX59, which cites the Indianapolis Metro Police Department. Once they returned, her sister put the infant on the bed and went to draw a bath for another child, reports the Star.

Key told authorities she got angry after her pit bull ate her chicken sandwich, prompting her to chase it with a knife, KFOR reports, citing court records. The dog jumped on the bed, but when Key allegedly went to stab the animal, it eluded the knife, which instead wounded the infant, who was lying on the bed, according to the records, the outlet reports.

The child’s mother heard a “commotion” and came out of the bathroom to see the child bloodied and screaming, while Key stood with a knife, the court documents allege, according to the outlet.

Key allegedly told the mother what happened and fled the scene, according to Star. She was arrested early Wednesday morning in the vicinity of a bush outside the hotel.

Meanwhile, the baby was taken to the hospital in critical condition, the Star reports.

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Jail information obtained by PEOPLE shows Key has been incarcerated for battery a number of times since 2013.

The victim’s grandfather, Tracy Griffin told KFOR the child is “scarred for the rest of her life." Family members allege that Key suffered from addiction and mental health issues, and said city services had not properly cared for her.

PEOPLE was not able to reach Key's attorney and it's not clear if she has entered a plea.

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