Firefighter Who Hit Pregnant Woman, Friend in Bronx Charged With DWI: NYPD

An off-duty New York City firefighter who police allege was driving drunk in the Bronx was arrested after hitting two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant and had to give birth prematurely hours later.

Police say Sean Farrell struck the 42-year-old pregnant woman, Mamtaz Begum, and her 39-year-old friend as they crossed the street at White Plains Road and Westchester Avenue just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The 39-year-old lieutenant stayed at the scene.

Begum was returning home after a doctor's appointment when she was hit; she complained of stomach pains after the accident and was taken to the hospital, where she delivered a baby girl.

The baby's 17-year-old sister, Mousumi Akhter, said the baby hasn't been named yet. All she can think about is holding her new baby sister and cuddling with her mom.

"She's the best mom ever," Akhter said.

Farrell was charged with refusal to take a breath test and driving while intoxicated. He had a prior DWI conviction in 2010, police say.

An FDNY spokesman says Farrell, a 10-year veteran, has been suspended for 30 days without pay. At his arraignment, a judge set bail at $200,000 and suspended his driver's license.

According to the News, Farrell's attorney, Steven Kartagener, tried to argue for lower bail given his status as a veteran firefighter. The judge did not grant his request.