A newborn baby found in an Omaha alley was brought to a police station Friday and taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Omaha Fire Department Capt. Bill Young said firefighters took custody of the baby after being alerted that someone had dropped off a child. The baby was placed in an ambulance, where firefighters conducted a full physical assessment. “The child was not in any distress or anything like that. Child had good color, was breathing appropriately. So there was really nothing wrong with the child,” Young said.
Young said the baby appeared healthy and was breathing on her own. Firefighters transported her to the hospital as a precaution and transferred her care to doctors.
The baby was a girl and was wrapped in a clean towel when firefighters took custody. She was not wearing a diaper, and Young said her full umbilical cord was still attached. Firefighters did not find any apparent injuries during their assessment. Young said he has worked for the fire department for 18 years and had never experienced a situation like this before.
Omaha police said the investigation is in its early stages. Investigators know the baby had been in an alley and have identified the people who brought her to the police station, but they are still working to determine their relationship to the child. Police also want to make sure the baby’s mother receives medical attention if needed.
Police are using the incident to remind the public about Nebraska’s Safe Haven Law. The law allows a baby 90 days old or younger to be surrendered to a representative at a staffed hospital, fire station or police station without criminal charges for the surrender itself. Police said anyone who has recently given birth should seek medical care. People who feel unable to care for a child can surrender the baby at a staffed hospital, fire station or police station. Police also encouraged new parents who need help to seek out community resources.