Just after 11 p.m. Tuesday, police responding to a 911 call at West 44th Street and Broadway found a six-month-old girl sitting alone in a stroller in Times Square, according to News12 New York. Officers said the infant was conscious and alert when they reached her and that she was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities have said she is expected to be OK as they work to identify who left her there.
Emergency medical crews brought the baby to Northwell Greenwich Village Hospital for treatment, News12 New York reported. There was no immediate word of any arrest or confirmation of who abandoned the child, and the outlet noted that city help is available for parents who feel they cannot care for a child.
Detectives have been canvassing the blocks around the intersection, showing photos and reviewing surveillance footage in an attempt to retrace the path of whoever walked away from the stroller, according to ABC7 New York. Investigators told the station they may be looking for the infant's father, who is believed to spend time in the Times Square area. Police said the investigation is active and that no arrests had been made as of the latest update.
Legal options and city resources
Under New York's Safe Haven law, a parent can surrender a newborn up to 30 days old anonymously at a safe location - such as a hospital, staffed police precinct or firehouse - without facing criminal prosecution, the city’s 311 guide explains. Because the baby found in Times Square is six months old, that protection does not apply. Parents who cannot care for a child older than 30 days are instead instructed to contact an Administration for Children's Services field office to discuss options such as voluntary custody transfer or relinquishing parental rights, according to NYC311.
Investigation continues
NYPD detectives are continuing to pull video and speak with potential witnesses, and anyone with information is urged to contact police, ABC7 New York reported. The department has not released identifying information about the child or the person believed to have left her and says it is working to locate relatives and figure out a longer-term plan for the baby's care. City social services and hospital staff are expected to play a key role in assessing what the infant needs next.
