A suspect is in custody after a newborn was abandoned in a White Plains, New York, grocery store bathroom early Sunday.
White Plains police responded around 7 a.m. To the ShopRite at the City Center shopping complex following reports that an infant had been left inside the store, according to a department press release. Officers found the baby and rushed the child to White Plains Hospital, where the infant was later listed 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.”
Police have not publicly identified the suspect and have not disclosed the baby’s gender. It remains unclear whether the person in custody is the child’s mother. The department noted it is working closely with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office regarding potential criminal charges.
The search for the individual drew resources from multiple agencies. White Plains police were joined by Westchester County police K9 units and officers from the nearby Harrison Police Department in the effort to locate whoever left the baby behind.
Westchester County Child Protective Services is now assisting in caring for the infant, police said.
New York’s “Safe Haven” law allows individuals to surrender infants under one month old without facing criminal charges, but only under specific conditions. The law requires that the person take steps to ensure the baby’s safety, notify others of the child’s location, or leave the infant at a designated safe haven such as a firehouse, police station, or hospital. The circumstances of the ShopRite abandonment do not appear to meet those protections.
“The WPPD acknowledges that this is a heartrending incident for our community,” police said in their statement. “We extend our sincere gratitude to ShopRite, City Center, and all members of the public who assisted in this case.”
A suspect has been identified and is in custody, the department confirmed in a follow-up release.