Newborn Abandoned in ShopRite Bathroom in White Plains, NY; Worker Arrested

A grocery store employee left her newborn in a ShopRite bathroom in White Plains, NY, on Sunday. The suspect, age 32, is in custody and faces potential charges.

Grocery Store Employee Arrested After Abandoning Newborn in White Plains Bathroom

A 32-year-old White Plains woman who works at a Westchester County ShopRite abandoned her newborn infant in the store's bathroom Sunday, according to NY Post Metro. Police took the suspect into custody shortly after the discovery.

White Plains Department of Public Safety officers were dispatched to the ShopRite at the City Center shopping complex following reports of an abandoned baby. First responders transported the infant to White Plains Hospital, where the child 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."

White Plains police, joined by Westchester County police K9 units and officers from the Harrison Police Department, launched a search for the person who left the baby behind. The suspect, identified as a White Plains resident, was located and taken into custody.

"A suspect has been identified and is in custody," police said in a follow-up release. "The department is working in close conjunction with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office regarding potential criminal charges."

Charges against the 32-year-old mother were pending, according to News 12 Westchester. Police have not disclosed the baby's gender.

Westchester County Child Protective Services is assisting in the care of the infant, police said.

Under New York State's Safe Haven law, individuals who abandon infants under one month of age may face criminal charges unless they took steps to ensure the child's safety — such as notifying others of the baby's location or leaving the infant at a designated safe haven site, including a firehouse, police station, or hospital.

"The WPPD acknowledges that this is a heartrending incident for our community," police said. "We extend our sincere gratitude to ShopRite, City Center, and all members of the public who assisted in this case."

Source: NY Post Metro