A newborn baby was abandoned in a Westchester County supermarket bathroom early Sunday — with a suspect in the heartless crime now in custody, according to police.
White Plains cops were dispatched to the ShopRite at the City Center shopping complex on reports of a baby left at the store, and rushed the helpless infant to White Plains Hospital, where the baby was later listed in stable condition, the department said in a press release.
“The circumstances surrounding the event are heart-wrenching, and our thoughts remain with the infant during their recovery,” the White Plains Department of Public Safety said in a statement. “Upon arrival, first responders acted swiftly to secure the scene and ensure the infant received immediate, life-saving medical attention.”
Police in the suburban city, along with Westchester County police K9 units and officers from the nearby Harrison Police Department, launched a search for the individual who left the baby behind.
“A suspect has been identified and is in custody,” the department said in a follow-up release. “The department is working in close conjunction with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office regarding potential criminal charges.”
Cops have not identified the suspect and have not revealed the baby’s gender. It wasn’t clear if the suspect was the child’s mother.
Westchester County Child Protective Services is assisting in caring for the baby, police said.
Under the state’s “Safe Haven” law, individuals who abandon infants under a month old can face criminal charges unless there were efforts to make sure the baby was safe, they notify others where the child is, or left the infant in a “safe haven” like a firehouse, police station or hospital.
“The WPPD acknowledges that this is a heartrending incident for our community,” police said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to ShopRite, City Center, and all members of the public who assisted in this case.”
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