Newborn Found In Dumpster Behind GA Motel

COLUMBUS, GA — Police are speaking out after a baby boy was found alive in a dumpster behind a motel Tuesday in Columbus.

Columbus Police on Wednesday said the newborn is in the neonatal intensive care unit at Piedmont Columbus Regional after being found around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 3100 block of Victory Drive. His age and condition were not immediately known.

No information has been released relating to who might have placed the child in the dumpster.

However, police say a "dumpster is not a safe haven." Citing the Safe Place for Newborns Act, police said babies aged 30 days and younger can anonymously and safely be surrendered with staff members or volunteers at hospitals, police stations and fire stations.

The law does not mandate identification be shown, and criminal charges will not be pressed, police said.

"This law exists to prevent tragedies like this and to protect both infants and parents in crisis," police said in a news release.

Columbus Police's Special Investigations Unit is overseeing the probe in the case. Police said they are working with the Department of Family and Children Services "to ensure the child's safety and determine the next steps for care."

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