Mar 11, 2008 11:55 pm US/Eastern
Baby Found Abandoned On West Philadelphia Lawn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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Photo of a baby boy found Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in the unit block of south 58th street at 12:08 pm.
Philadelphia Police Department
A man on his way to buy lottery tickets found a newborn baby boy abandoned on the front lawn of his West Philadelphia home Tuesday.
Authorities said the newborn was found at about noon in a green industrial size trash bag outside a home near 58th and Ludlow Streets.
Benjamin Everett said he was on his way to purchase lottery tickets when he heard a faint crying sound coming from a trash bag. When he looked in the bag, he discovered the baby and called 911.
The first arriving officer described the scene to CBS 3.
"It sounded like little cries of joy," said Philadelphia Police Sgt. Charles Marsden.
The baby, with the umbilical chord still attached, was taken via ambulance to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he was listed in good condition.
Everett told police he noticed the bag at about 9 a.m., meaning the newborn survived at least three hours in 40-degree temperatures.
"Good thing it wasn't one of the cold days," Everett said.
Medics who rushed the child to the hospital described the baby as healthy and breathing on his own, surviving the risks of hypothermia and possible suffocation.
Investigators said they would like to locate the baby's mother to make sure she is in good health.
"Our main concern is her well-being, also would like to talk to her, see what happened," Lt. Dan Bagnell said.
Philadelphia police are investigating and urge anyone with information to contact authorities.
Pennsylvania has a
safe haven law, a law that allows mothers to leave a baby at a fire station or hospital with no questions asked.
SAFE HAVEN LINKS:
http://www.dpw.state.pa.ushttp://www.secretsafe.org/
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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