HENRICO COUNTY—
UPDATE 9/1/09 6:25 p.m.:We're told the baby boy is doing well. He's being cared for by doctors and nurses at VCU Health system. Right now, he's in the custody of Social Services until the mother is found.
Amber Betts found the hours old baby nestled in the grass on Samara Drive in Henrico County. Brenda Dozier says it's a blessing her granddaughter found the baby when she did.
"I see dogs running. A dog or anything could've grabbed that baby thank the lord Amber got the baby," says Dozier.
Dozier and others in this Eastern Henrico neighborhood are concerned that the mother hasn't come forward.
Police have been searching for the baby's mother. They've canvassed this neighborhood and contacted local hospitals.
"One would hope that, that individual will come forward because the family is important," says Henrico Social Services Director Jane Crawley.
She says if it's family doesn't come forward, the baby boy will be placed in a foster home, ready to adopt him.
But the family must follow some strict guidelines. It's going to require:
"Someone with a very warm and loving spirit who's willing to take in a child and of course can pass the necessary records check. No felonies or anything that would indicate that there would be any potential harm or future harm done to a child," says Crawley.
And adoptive parents have to go through a nine week training session before it's a done deal.
Henrico police tell CBS 6 if and when the mother comes forward she'll be questioned, they'll get her medical records, and do a DNA test.
Anyone with information or know the baby's mother is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. You can remain anonymous.
UPDATE: 8/28/2009 at 12:55 p.m.
Official Release received from Henrico Police.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Henrico Police Found Infant
Date: August 28, 2009
On August 27, 2009 at approximately 8:45 PM the Henrico Police received a call from a resident on Samara Drive in the eastern part of Henrico County reporting an infant child found outside lying in the grass. The resident walking in the neighborhood, heard sounds like the whining of a baby coming from a yard along the 4400 Block of Samara Drive. The resident located the infant, took him to safety, and notified Henrico Police. Police and Fire/Rescue personnel responded and found a light skinned, African-American, infant male, who appeared to have been born relatively recently. The infant's condition was stable and he was transported to VCU Medical Center.
Henrico Police have no information regarding this found child, nor the whereabouts of his mother. Now that the infant is safe and doing well at VCU Medical Center, our concern is for the well-being of the mother. Henrico Social Services has taken guardianship of the child until such time as the mother can be located or a foster family placement can be made. Police are seeking the community's help with any information regarding the identity of the mother and/or her location.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Investigator T. A. Morris at (804) 501-5000 or Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
Original Post:
An intense investigation underway this morning in Eastern Henrico after a newborn baby is found abandoned in someone's front yard.
Police say the baby is in good condition and is at VCU Medical Center so doctors can monitor him until the Department of Social Services is able to take over. This is a disburbing case because Virginia has safe haven laws which allows for newborns to be dropped off at police departments and hospitals.
"The matter is being investigated right now. Our priority is locating the parents or mother of this child. We want to make sure the mother is okay, and her welfare and wellbeing is okay," says Lt. H.C. Smith, II.
Police would not elaborate on exactly how old they believe this newborn is, because they don't want to jeopardize the investigation. They say their priority if finding the mother. They're checking with local hospitals to see if anyone has come in for treatment.
Police are also asking the public for help. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Henrico Police at 501-5000, or Crimestoppers at 780-1000.
Stay with CBS 6 News both on air and online for the latest developments.
