Newborn Baby Found Abandoned In Women's Restroom At ShopRite

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A baby's cry led to a shocking discovery at a Westchester County supermarket.

The White Plains Department of Public Safety said it responded to a "distressing incident involving an abandoned newborn infant," this morning.

Early this morning, police officers were called to ShopRite inside the City Center shopping complex following reports of an infant discovered in a women's restroom.

First responders quickly secure the scene and the infant received immediate, life-saving medical attention, according to officials. The newborn was promptly transported to White Plains Hospital, where the child is reported to be in stable condition.

"The circumstances surrounding this event are heart-wrenching, and our thoughts remain with the infant during their recovery," City of White Plains Department of Public Safety said in a statement released on Sunday. "The White Plains Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division has launched a thorough investigation into this matter as a potential case of child abandonment. As part of our investigation, specialized units, including the Harrison PD and Westchester County PD K9 teams, have deployed to help locate the individual responsible for the infant's welfare. The Westchester County District Attorney's Office Special Prosecution Unit has been contacted and is assisting the investigation."

Public Safety officials also took the opportunity remind others who might ever find themselves in a desperate situation about New York's broad Safe Haven/Abandoned Infant Protection Act.

"The Department of Public Safety would like to emphasize the availability of New York State's 'Safe Haven' law, designed specifically to prevent tragedies like this and to ensure the safety of newborns," officials said. "Under the 'Abandoned Infant Protection Act,' an individual will not be held criminally liable for child abandonment if they ensure the [specific] conditions are met."

Those conditions require that the child is not more than 30 days old; the child is left with the intent that they remain safe from physical injury and receive proper care and the infant is left in a "safe haven" location, such as a hospital, police station, or fire station, or with an appropriate person. The caretaker must promptly notify an appropriate person of the infant's location.

"It is vital for the community to know that these actions can be taken safely, legally, and—if requested—completely anonymously," White Plains police said. "There is no shame in seeking help, and there are resources available to ensure the safety of both parent and child."

The department also said it is aware that there is a photo being circulated on social media, and that photograph is not of the infant found today.

The department expressed gratitude for the good Samaritans who helped keep today's sad events from becoming tragic.

"We sincerely appreciate the community who notified this department and the first responders who acted with urgency and professionalism this morning," WPCPD said. "Their rapid intervention was instrumental in securing the infant’s wellbeing."

Police said that the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6111.