Police: Baby found in Tampa not actually abandoned
TAMPA (FOX 13) - A baby, reportedly found abandoned at the intersection of 18th Street N. and E. 143 Ave in Tampa, was not actually abandoned at all, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say it appears the woman who brought the baby to the hospital, along with another woman, was not truthful about the baby's abandonment.
"It was discovered that child was never abandoned nor placed on the ground near a trash can," HCSO said. "The mother and the original complainant drove the baby directly to the hospital. No charges are pending in this matter."
Investigators say the case has become a Florida Safe Haven case.
Thursday evening, deputies announced a baby had reportedly been found at an intersection and a passerby rushed it to the hospital. That person then called law enforcement.
The person told deputies the baby was wrapped in a red towel with no diaper or other clothing. Hospital staff determined it was between 12 and 18 hours old at the time.
The baby was in critical but stable condition Friday and is in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Family Services.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office included the following message about Florida's Safe Haven Law:
"HCSO would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that absent any abuse to the child, Florida Statue 383.50 allows for the anonymous surrender of newborn infant children under 7 days old to a hospital, an emergency medical services station or a fire station without question. This law is often referred to as the Florida Safe Haven Law.
"It is our hope that in the name of protecting children and their welfare, more mothers faced with this difficult choice invoke the parameters and protections of the Florida Safe Haven Law."