Toddler Found Abandoned in Stroller Near New London Fire Station

NEW LONDON, CT – An intoxicated Norwich man was arrested after a toddler was found abandoned in a stroller Monday night near the fire station.

The 2- or 3-year old girl was found by a motorist on Bank Street, who brought the girl to the nearby fire station. Though the girl was breathing and appeared uninjured, she was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Samantha Elci of New London claimed to have been drinking with the child’s father before he left with the child to get on a bus to Norwich. She was still in the area when the commotion happened and went to see if the girl was alright.

Police later arrested a "highly intoxicated" Matthew Simpson, 24, after locating him in a Union Station bathroom. Officers learned the child had been with Simpson since 12:30 p.m., while witnesses claimed he had been drinking most of the day in New London.

The suspect was charged with risk of injury to a minor and held in lieu of $25,000 bond. He is scheduled for arraignment in court on Tuesday.

Police said the Department of Children and Families was notified and opened its own investigation into the incident.

Image via New London Police