White Plains suspect arrested after newborn abandoned in grocery store bathroom

A suspect is in custody following the abandonment of a newborn baby in a ShopRite grocery store bathroom in White Plains, New York, on Sunday morning. White Plains police responded to the City Center shopping complex around 7 a.m. and discovered the infant, who was subsequently rushed to White Plains Hospital. The baby is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities identified a 32-year-old White Plains resident as the suspect. The White Plains Department of Public Safety described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and stated that they are working with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office regarding potential criminal charges. The search for the individual involved included assistance from Westchester County police K9 units and the Harrison Police Department.

Westchester County Child Protective Services is currently assisting in the care of the infant. Under New York’s “Safe Haven” law, individuals may surrender infants under one month old without facing criminal charges only if they follow specific protocols, such as leaving the child at a designated safe haven like a hospital or police station. The circumstances of this incident do not appear to meet those legal protections.