One-hour-old baby found ALIVE in restroom trash can at Fullerton gas station, cops search for mom
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: A one-hour-old baby boy was reportedly found inside a restroom trash can at a gas station in Fullerton, leading officials to search for his mother. Officers were called at around 3.30 pm on Thursday, March 9, when the infant was discovered in the bathroom at the Chevron gas station, located in the 900 block of Orangethorpe Avenue.
An employee at the petrol station discovered the infant, who had been placed in a bag inside the trash can, according to CBS Los Angeles. After officers performed lifesaving measures, the newborn was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital, where he is currently in critical but stable condition. Fullerton Police Department has launched an investigation into the matter and is currently examining security footage in the search for the mother.
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Where is the infant’s mother?
"It's an active investigation. They're working all possible leads to do all they can to solve this issue," Sergeant Ryan O'Neil from the Fullerton Police Department said, according to Daily Mail. He added, "The call for service was a possible newborn child in the bathroom trash can. Upon arrival, officers located a newborn child in the trash can and immediately began life-saving measures. Fullerton Fire responded very shortly after and transported the child to a local hospital for further medical care."
It's unclear if the mother of the infant had given birth at the gas station. "I think that would be a tragic event for anybody who was put in that situation," O'Neil continued. He added, "There are Safe Surrender Baby laws that allow parents, guardians, or mothers to surrender their child within 72 hours of birth with no questions asked. There are hospitals that are designated as safe surrender along with fire departments."
Similar incident
This incident came more than a month after a newborn baby was found alive in an apartment complex dumpster. The infant was found at 33 Carver Street around 3.30 am on January 19. Medical personnel was able to provide life-saving care for the child on the scene. The baby was rushed to the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, where doctors performed several tests and gave him further treatment. Jackson Police noted that it’s unknown how long the infant had been in the dumpster or the baby’s age.
The mother of the child was soon identified, according to Jackson Police, but the investigation is still in progress. “Jackson Police are grateful the newborn baby is still alive and continues to receive medical treatment. Jackson Police in partnership with the Department of Children Services continues to investigate this disturbing incident,” the department stated in a press release. The city’s mayor, Scott Conger, said they are taking steps to help mothers who may be considering abandoning their babies.