A newborn baby was discovered abandoned in a supermarket bathroom in White Plains, New York, early Sunday morning. White Plains police responded to a report of an infant left at the ShopRite located in the City Center shopping complex.
The infant was transported to White Plains Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. "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."
Law enforcement, aided by Westchester County police K9 units and officers from the Harrison Police Department, initiated a search for the individual responsible for leaving the baby. Subsequently, police announced that a suspect had been identified and taken into custody. The department stated it is collaborating closely with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office concerning possible criminal charges.
At this time, the suspect's identity and the baby's gender have not been disclosed. It remains unclear if the suspect is the infant's parent. Westchester County Child Protective Services is providing assistance in the care of the baby.
New York's "Safe Haven" law allows individuals who abandon infants under one month old to face criminal charges unless specific conditions are met, such as making efforts to ensure the baby's safety, notifying others of the infant's location, or leaving the child at a designated safe haven like a firehouse, police station, or hospital.
The White Plains Police Department expressed gratitude to ShopRite, City Center, and members of the public who offered assistance in the case.