Police Seek Information on Newborn Found at NYC Subway Station

New video footage has emerged showing an individual wanted for questioning in connection with a newborn baby found unattended at a subway station in Manhattan. The incident occurred on March 25, 2024, when the baby girl was discovered around 09:30 during the busy morning rush at the 34th Street and Seventh Avenue stop, part of the Penn Station complex.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the infant was wrapped in a sheet and placed on the steps leading down to the southbound 1, 2, and 3 trains. Fortunately, the baby did not appear to have any injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she is expected to recover fully.

Investigators revealed that the newborn’s umbilical cord was still attached, yet there were no indications that she had been born on a train or within the station itself. NYPD officials have termed this case a “miracle,” with New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow praising the prompt response of officers at the scene.

Legal Options for Parents

The situation highlights the importance of understanding New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act. This law permits parents to anonymously abandon a newborn, up to 30 days old, in designated “safe haven” locations such as fire stations, police stations, or hospitals. In an effort to raise awareness about this option, Dr. Adam Berman, associate chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, stated, “If you feel like you are not able to care for the baby and you’re not able to get the resources and the help that you need, the safe haven of an emergency department, or a police station, or a firehouse is an option.”

Similar laws are also in effect in neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut, providing parents with alternatives to abandoning their children in unsafe environments.

Call for Public Assistance

The NYPD is actively seeking assistance from the public to identify the individual seen in the newly released video footage. Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted via the NYPD’s official website, with assurances that all calls will remain confidential.

As investigations continue, the case remains a poignant reminder of the challenges some parents face and the legal avenues available to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns.