A man taking a walk Friday evening stumbled across a newborn baby tossed in the woods only hours after birth.
According to the Montgomery County Police Department, the man heard a cry coming from a wooded area off of the 10000 block of Tenbrook Drive at around 5 p.m. He followed the sounds and found a newborn baby around 10 feet from the sidewalk, lying naked in the woods.
He immediately called 911 which likely saved the baby’s life. The little girl was rushed to the hospital where she’s listed in stable condition.
The Special Investigations Division located the mother shortly after the incident. She’s currently at the hospital as well, according to police. The mother’s identity is currently unknown.
“We were very fortunate that that man was walking down that sidewalk,” Sgt. Rebecca Innocenti with the Montgomery County Police told NBC 7. “She didn’t have any clothes on, no diaper.”
Maryland’s Safe Haven Law states that anyone who needs to give up a baby can legally do so without repercussions, both safely and anonymously, by bringing the infant to a hospital or police station within 10 days of birth.
“A person who invokes Safe Haven is immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution provided the child is unharmed,” the police department said, according to FOX 5. “If you have questions about Maryland’s Safe Haven law, call the Department of Human Resources at 800-332-6347 or your local department of social services.”
Authorities said the baby will be placed under the care of Montgomery County Child Welfare Services.
The story continues to develop. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
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[Feature Photo: Montgomery County Police Department]
