WHO:
Captain Charles L. Beck, Commanding Officer Rampart Patrol Division; Lieutenant II Don Lehman, Commanding Officer Rampart Detective Division; Rampart Detective

WHAT:
Press Conference

WHERE:
Rampart Police Station
2710 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
10:00 a.m.

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, January 13, 2004, at about 4:00 a.m., a male resident was taking his morning walk in the area of Kenmore Avenue and Monroe Street, when he heard what he believed to be the cry of a kitten. The man searched the area and found a newborn baby girl in a plastic bag. The man immediately picked up the newborn baby, wrapped her in his jacket and took her to his residence in the 700 block of Kenmore Avenue.

Rampart Division officers and Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics responded to the residence. The paramedics transported the newborn to a local hospital where she is listed in good condition.

The newborn is described as a female with light skin, possibly of Hispanic descent.

The public is reminded of the Safe Haven Law which allows mothers to leave unwanted newborn babies at any hospital or fire station within 72 hours of delivery. These individual will not face any criminal consequences.

We are asking for help from the public. If anyone has information regarding this incident please contact Rampart Detectives at their Tip Hotline, at 213-207-2017. On weekends and off-hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.