Press Conference for Abandoned Baby Boy

 
What:
Press Conference Regarding Abandoned Infant At West Hills Hospital
When:
Tuesday, February 5, 2002
10:30 a.m.
Where:
West Valley Area Community Police Station
19020 Vanowen
Reseda, CA

Los Angeles: On Monday, February 4, 2002, at approximately 8:05 p.m., a West Hills Hospital employee discovered an abandoned newborn in the rear parking lot of the hospital. The baby boy, race unknown, was estimated to be less than 24 hours old. The baby is currently listed in excellent condition and is being cared for by the West Hills Hospital staff. The Department of Children and Family Services has retained temporary custody of the child.
The purpose of the press conference is to seek the public’s assistance in identifying the parents of the child and to increase awareness of the State of California’s law regarding abandonment of infant children. A photograph of the boy will be available to the media.
California Penal Code Section 271.5 states, "Any parent, or other person who has lawful custody of a minor child, 72 hours old or younger, may voluntarily surrender physical custody of the child to any hospital emergency room, without fear of prosecution."
Anyone with information should contact Los Angeles Police Department, West Valley Detectives at 818-756-8553. During off-hours and weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.