Bronx man discovers newborn baby abandoned on his doorstep

In the Bronx, New York City, a disturbing incident occurred when a newborn baby girl was found abandoned inside a tote bag in front of an apartment building. At approximately 6 a.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2024, police responded to a 911 call reporting a crying baby. Upon arrival, they discovered the infant wrapped in blankets within the tote bag on Rev. James A. Polite Avenue. The baby was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where she is reported to be in stable condition. The New York City Police Department has shared surveillance footage depicting an individual wearing a black hooded coat and carrying a green tote bag, which is believed to have contained the baby. This person was seen walking along the sidewalk in the Longwood section of the Bronx at the same time the baby was discovered. Authorities have not yet determined the suspect's identity or their relationship to the infant. Public assistance is being sought in locating the individual, as they are wanted for the abandonment of a child. Witnesses expressed both shock and concern over the incident. One neighbor recounted hearing the infant’s cries and how another alerted him to the situation at his doorstep. Imam Mamadou Hafiz Jallow rushed to his home after receiving the news and found the baby in distress, quickly calling 911. He noted the baby appeared very cold and was blinking her eyes and shaking her fingers. New York has safe haven laws that allow for the anonymous abandonment of newborns at designated locations, such as hospitals and police stations. Despite these provisions, the individual in this case could face charges for child abandonment and endangerment. Jallow expressed his hopes for both the baby’s health and for the forgiveness of the mother, emphasizing the importance of community and compassion in such difficult situations.