Happy Ending To Eden Baby Saga; Grandma Returns Newborn Taken By Dad

A two-day-old baby girl whose father took her from Eden Medical Center Friday afternoon was returned safely last night after being missing for nearly seven hours.

Eden hospital spokesperson Cindy Dove said two-day-old Sa'riah Miller was brought back around 8:05 p.m.

ABC7 News Reports that the baby's grandmother brought her back to the hospital.

"She is healthy and has been released to the custody of the mom," Dove said.

The situation began when 18-year-old Seagram Miller took his newborn daughter from the hospital around 1 p.m. Friday prior to being medically cleared by a pediatrician.

Sheriff's Department spokesman Sgt. J.D. Nelson said the case was not considered a "child abduction" incident because both parents have custody of the newborn child.

"It's against medical advice. Doesn't mean it's a good idea" Nelson said, but added, "It is not a crime at this point."

Because of this, Miller could not be arrested. Nelson said it would turn into a crime if police were contacted about the baby being mistreated.

According to hospital officials, the 21-year-old mother, whose name is not being released, left the room around 1 p.m. while the family was waiting for a pediatrician. When she returned, Miller and Sa'riah were gone. 

Nelson said the mother cooperated with police and knew the baby was not in any danger with her boyfriend. Nelson added that she did not seem upset.

Police believe Miller slipped the hospital tracking band off the baby's wrist to avoid setting off the alarm on the hospital's maternity floor. The wristband was later found on the floor of the hospital room where the mother was staying.

Nelson said he believes Miller took the baby because he "just wanted to get out of the hospital quicker and did not want to wait [to be medically released]."

Surveillance camera footage shows Miller driving off with Sa'riah in a car seat.

Hospital officials say they are reviewing their security policies.

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