A Bittersweet Story: Phoenix Police Find Baby Clinging to Life

On a quiet Tuesday in a South Phoenix apartment complex, a story of profound loss and hope of survival began with a single phone call. It began with a simple, observant act from a neighbor and ended with a life-saving rescue by the Phoenix Police Department. Officers responding to a welfare check were confronted with a tragic scene, but their swift actions and gentle compassion ensured a newborn baby, found clinging to life, would have a future.

A Concerned Call and a Somber Discovery

On May 14th, a resident near Central Avenue and Illini Street called the police with a simple concern: they hadn't seen or heard from their neighbor, a new mother, for several days. Packages were beginning to pile up outside her door. This single act of community observation, a perfect example of "see something, say something", set in motion a critical police emergency response.

When officers arrived, they looked through an unlocked window and saw the woman motionless on the floor. On a nearby bed, they saw a tiny, emaciated infant. The bodycam footage captures the quiet urgency as an officer says, "The baby's here... Yeah, the baby's here, and the baby is still alive."

Forced Entry, A Gentle Rescue

Recognizing the need for immediate access, the officers made the decision to make a forced entry, breaking the door to get inside. The footage then shows an officer approach the infant, softly says "hi," and gently picks the baby up, whispering, "It's gonna be OK." He carefully placed the baby in a stroller and rushed outside to meet the responding Phoenix Fire Department crew for emergency medical care.

The careful handling and soft words spoken to the child are a clear demonstration of the officers' professionalism and compassion.

A Bittersweet Outcome and Inter-Agency Collaboration

The newborn was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, described by police as "severely dehydrated and emaciated." Tragically, the officers' initial discovery was confirmed: the baby's mother had passed away several days prior.

In the aftermath, a seamless process of inter-agency collaboration began. The Office of the Medical Examiner started its investigation into the mother's death, while the detective investigation by Phoenix Police proceeded. Most importantly, Child Protective Services (DCS) was brought in to manage the emergency custody of the infant and work with family members.

Sergeant Brian Bower later commended the officers' quick thinking and praised the neighbor whose call was the catalyst for the rescue, noting the baby may not have survived without their intervention. The department also shared an uplifting update, confirming that thanks to the life-saving care from first responders and hospital staff, the baby's condition greatly improved and they are expected to make a full recovery.

This bittersweet story is more than just a headline; it's a profound example of how a community and its police department can create hope from tragedy. It highlights the quiet, compassionate work officers do every day, entering unknown situations and protecting the vulnerable. 

These are the moments that define policing, and we are dedicated to sharing them. You can discover more police stories or learn how We Love Police brings these critical accounts to light.

Source Credits

• Primary Story/Video Source: Official social media post from the Phoenix Police Department

• Additional Source: ‘Clinging to life’: Newborn baby found beside dead mother in Phoenix apartment, police say - ABC 33/40 News (by Jessica A. Botelho). 

FAQs

1. What exactly is a police welfare check? 

A welfare check (or wellness check) is a visit by law enforcement to a person's home to verify their safety and well-being. These checks are typically initiated after a request from a friend, family member, or, as in this case, a concerned neighbor who has been unable to make contact with the individual. It is a vital service police provide for the community.

2. What happens to a child in a situation like this? 

In emergencies where a child is found without a guardian, police work directly with Child Protective Services (DCS) or a similar state agency. Department of Child Safety takes emergency custody of the child to ensure their immediate safety and medical needs are met. They then work to identify and locate family members who may be able to provide care, making the child's long-term well-being the highest priority.

3. When are police authorized to make a forced entry? 

Police can make a forced entry into a home without a warrant under specific, urgent circumstances known as "exigent circumstances." A prime example is when they have a reasonable belief that someone inside is in immediate danger of harm or death, such as during a welfare check where a person is unresponsive and a vulnerable child is present. This police procedure allows them to act immediately to save a life.