North Vernon Police say baby found near Church has infection, unknown mother may have it too

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A baby found near outside a church in North Vernon, Indiana is being treated for an infection, police say.

The baby was found Thursday evening and was taken to Columbus Regional hospital, where he was determined to be about 12 hours old. Police say the baby has an infection and is being treated.

Meanwhile, police are still looking for the baby's mother and say she may have the same infection and needs treatment. Police have been following up on tips, but have yet to locate the mother. They are urging the mother to seek medical treatment at the nearest hospital because the infection could be life threatening if not treated soon.

The child was discovered Thursday afternoon by the wife of the church pastor.

"It was found wrapped up in a couple of coats," said Sgt. Andrew Richmond, with North Vernon Police.

Sgt. Richmond said whomever abandoned the child did not follow the state Safe Haven Laws.

It says "any responsible adult may give up custody of a baby less than 30 days old to a hospital emergency room, fire station or police station in Indiana."

"Obviously, the law is set up in place to protect someone so that they don't feel like they have to dump a child off," Sgt. Richmond said, "but it is also set up so that the baby is left in an area that is well regulated and has people on staff 24 hours a day."

Police have not ruled out charges in the case and believe the child's mother is in desperate need of medical attention; that's mainly because of a possible infection.

"Human life is our number one priority, regardless if it is Baby Boy Doe or his mother," Lt. Randall Marshall wrote in a press release. "We can't stress enough the importance of Mom receiving medical care."

If you have any information, you are asked to contact North Vernon Police.

North Vernon Police Department

812-346-1466

Central Dispatch Non-Emergent

812-346-2345