The baby – who is believed to be between seven and nine months – was allegedly abandoned by its mother in a shopping trolley after she went left the store in a taxi
A pregnant woman reportedly abandoned a baby in a shopping trolley at a store, sparking a massive police investigation.
Police shared a photo of the baby after it was abandoned by the mother inside a store in Lomita, a city in Los Angeles County, California, on Tuesday. The pregnant woman entered the store carrying the infant at about 5pm localtime and asked for a taxi.
A statement shared on the Lomita Sheriff Station Facebook page earlier today added: “The store employee arranged for a taxi while the woman went to the restroom. When the taxi arrived, the woman left the store, leaving the infant behind in a shopping cart.
“The woman departed in the taxi, her destination unknown. The infant is approximately between seven and nine months old and has since been placed into the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.”
CCTV showed a woman wearing white trainers, a white top and a light blue or green skirt holding the baby as she walked around the store. The footage also appeared to show she was pregnant.
The woman’s current whereabouts are unknown and police are continuing their investigation. The Mirror has contacted the Lomita Sheriff Station for comment.
According to the Shouse California Law Group, child neglect is generally treated as a misdemeanour and can result in one year in jail. It can also result in a fine of up to $2,000 (£1,581).
There are circumstances where a baby can be safely abandoned in California. The Safe Surrender Baby Law allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially surrender an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room or designated fire station. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender the baby without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Lomita Sheriff’s Station at 310-539-1661. Anonymous tips may be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers by calling 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by using the website: http://lacrimestoppers.org.