Mom Arrested After Handing Baby Boy to Homeless Couple Near Skid Row

The woman told the couple she was going to get milk for the baby, and they called police when she didn't return.

A woman is facing felony child endangerment charges after dropping her baby boy off with a homeless couple near the skid row area in Downtown Los Angeles Monday night, said police.

"She handed the child to a man and a woman sleeping in a tent near the corner of 3rd and Main Streets at around 11:30," said Sgt. Ed Petterez, of LAPD’s Central Division Station. “She said she would be back, but she never returned."

The couple said they waited for about 30 minutes before they called police. Officers arrived and took possession of the baby boy, who they believe is between six and eight months old.

"Right now, the child will be taken back to Central Station where we’ll contact DCFS (Department of  Children and Family Services) and then they’ll take it from there," said Sgt. Petterez.

A friend of the child's mother called police and helped officers locate the woman a short distance from where the baby boy was left, said officials.

She’s now in custody, and investigators are trying to determine why she left her baby with the couple. The child is also at the station, and appears to be fine, authorities said.

"We're just  lucky she picked good people to turn the baby boy over to," said Sgt. Leonard Ramirez.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

Britney Spears settles remaining issues of court conservatorship with father to avoid long trial

Rookie Andy Pages has 3 RBIs to continue hot start as Dodgers beat Diamondbacks 8-4

Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: Twitter: @NBCLA // Facebook: NBCLA

Contact Us