Newborn Found In Gas Station Trash Can In 'Critical Condition', OC Woman Arrested

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A newborn baby was found in a trash can in a restroom at an Orange County gas station Thursday, leading to the arrested of a 25-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse, authorities said.

Fullerton Police officers were dispatched at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday to a Chevron gas station in the 900 block of Orangethorpe Avenue, near Euclid Street, regarding a possible abandoned newborn inside of a restroom, police Sgt. Ryan O'Neil said.

Police who found the baby started lifesaving measures to save the infant's life before calling paramedics from the Fullerton Fire Department, who took the baby to a hospital in critical but stable condition, authorities said.

"After conducting a thorough investigation, which included surveillance footage and possible suspect vehicle information, detectives served a search warrant at approximately 1:45 a.m. (Friday) in the 400 block of W. Orangethorpe Avenue," O'Neil said.

The woman, 25-year-old Venissa Maldonado, was arrested for attempted murder and felony child abuse, authorities said.

Anyone with further information was urged to contact Fullerton police Detective Marcus Saenz at 714-738-5361. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or you visit their website here.

"Just another reminder that the Safely Surrendered Baby Law was signed permanently into state law in January of 2006," O'Neil said. "The law's intent is to save lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or person with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked."

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law requires the baby be taken to a public or private hospital, designated fire station or other safe surrender site designated by the County Board of Supervisors.