CYPRESS, Texas – A newborn was hospitalized Wednesday after someone discarded her in a plastic bag on a curb outside an apartment complex in northwest Harris County.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said they responded to a 911 call made at 7 p.m. Tuesday from the Stonegate Villas Apartments, located on Grant Road near Jones Road.
Officials said a resident of the complex was walking her dogs when she discovered the newborn female wrapped inside a plastic grocery bag near a fence. The pets picked up on a scent coming from the bag.
The infant was in good condition and breathing on her own. The baby still had about 3 inches of her umbilical cord attached, officials said.
"The infant is alive, appears in good health," said Sgt. Gordon Trott of the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "Somebody had already cleaned up the child before placing the child on the curb."
Investigators said they are perplexed because Texas law allows anyone to drop off a newborn at a hospital or fire station with no questions asked and no legal ramifications. As they look for the mother, they are hailing the woman who found the child as a hero.
"If it had not of been for the resident that came out to walk her dogs, that child may have laid there all night, possibly would've died," said Trott.
The infant was transported to Texas Children's Hospital, where she is listed in good condition. Doctors said the baby is lucky to be alive.
"If the cord is not clamped before it's cut, there is a risk of the baby bleeding out through the unclamped cord, which could of led to a baby's death," said Dr. Tiffiany McKee-Garrett with Texas Children's Hospital.
Child Protective Services took emergency custody of the child. They want women to know if you don't want your baby, you have options.
"The law allows you to leave a baby an infant under 60 days old at a fire station, EMS, a hospital -- all you have to do is hand the baby over," said Gwen Carter with Child Protective Services.
The picture of the baby is not being released at this time.
Harris County Sheriff's Deputies are searching for the woman who delivered this baby. The person is facing a child endangerment charge, which is a felony.
If you have any information about who might have dropped off this baby or who the mother might be call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Women who are in crisis and have thoughts of abandoning their baby should call this confidential number: 1-877-904-SAVE.