UPDATE: The NYPD has launched an urgent search for a woman after a newborn baby girl was found abandoned at the 34th Street-Penn Station subway station on October 20, 2023. The alarming discovery occurred around 9:04 a.m. when a good Samaritan spotted the infant, still with her umbilical cord attached, lying on the southbound 1 train platform.
Authorities confirmed that the woman is wanted for questioning in connection with the incident, which raises serious concerns about child welfare. Surveillance footage has been released, showing a woman believed to have left the baby before fleeing the station on foot. The NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The newborn, wrapped in a blanket, was quickly reported to a nearby officer by the witness. Officers transported her in a patrol car to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue for evaluation. Fortunately, the infant was reported to be awake and responsive, appearing to have just been born.
The NYPD emphasizes the importance of safe surrender under New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act. This law allows parents to surrender a newborn up to 30 days old without facing legal charges, provided the baby is left at designated safe locations such as hospitals, police stations, or firehouses.
As the search intensifies, police ask the public for assistance. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All communications are kept confidential.
The urgency of this case cannot be understated, as authorities work diligently to ensure the safety of the newborn and identify the woman responsible. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
