Police in White Plains, New York, responded Sunday to a ShopRite located in the City Center shopping complex after a newborn baby was discovered abandoned in the store's women's restroom. The infant was found by its mother, who is an employee at the supermarket.
Authorities stated that officers provided immediate medical care to the baby before transporting the infant to a local hospital. The child is reportedly in stable condition and is now under the care of Westchester County Child Protective Services.
Investigators identified the baby's mother as a 32-year-old resident of White Plains who works at the ShopRite. She is currently in custody while the incident is being investigated in conjunction with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office Special Prosecution Unit.
The White Plains Department of Public Safety issued a statement saying the circumstances were "heart-wrenching" and that their "thoughts remain with the infant during their recovery." Officials also reminded the public about New York's Abandoned Infant Protection Act, suggesting it could have prevented the situation.
Under this law, parents can legally surrender an infant up to 30 days old without facing criminal charges. This requires the child to be left with an appropriate person or at a designated safe location, such as a hospital, police station, or fire station, with the intent of ensuring the infant's safety and care. The appropriate person must be made aware of the infant's location.
Officials expressed gratitude to the community members who notified the department and to the first responders whose "rapid intervention was instrumental in securing the infant's wellbeing." The public is encouraged to contact the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6111 with any information regarding the incident.
