In the early hours of Sunday, a newborn girl was found abandoned in a tote bag outside an apartment building in the Bronx. The discovery was made by law enforcement officers responding to a 911 call about a crying baby around 6 a.m. near 1102 Reverend James Polite Ave. The individual who reported the incident was questioned by the officers, leading to the discovery of the infant, who was wrapped in a blanket and left in the discarded bag. The identity of the person who left the baby remains a mystery, with police actively investigating the case.
Emergency medical services were promptly dispatched to the location. The newborn was taken to NYC Health and Hospital/Jacobi, where she was reported to be in stable condition. The swift actions of the caller and emergency services are believed to have saved the infant’s life, particularly considering the cold weather conditions that morning.
The incident has triggered a city-wide search for the individual or individuals responsible for leaving the newborn. Law enforcement officials are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. The case serves as a stark reminder of the Safe Haven laws in place, which allow parents to leave newborns at designated locations without fear of prosecution.
The Safe Haven law in New York permits parents to leave their newborns, up to 30 days old, with a suitable person or in a safe location where the baby will be quickly found. The law aims to protect infants from harm due to abandonment and to provide parents in crisis with a safe and legal alternative.
As the investigation continues, the primary concern remains the wellbeing of the newborn girl. Medical professionals at NYC Health and Hospital/Jacobi are providing her with the necessary care. The incident has left the community shocked and saddened, with hopes for justice for the abandoned infant.