Woman sought after giving birth, abandoning newborn in alleyway

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The Ventura Police Department is searching for a woman who abandoned her newborn child. 

On June 23, just before 1 a.m., employees of Agostino's Bakery in the 4200 block of Transport Street heard a woman screaming in the alleyway. Employees told police they approached the woman and saw her remove her pants and immediately give birth. She then placed the newborn on the ground, severed the umbilical cord and ran away. 

Employees then called 911, picked up the baby and cared for it until paramedics arrived. Surveillance video captured the incident. One employee wrapped the baby in the mother's pants, other employees rushed out, one with an apron and another with a blanket.  

Initially the baby seemed to be struggling to breathe. 

"The baby wasn't breathing good because it had blood all on its face. He was trying to move the head up, he noticed the baby started breathing in and out, breathing nice," said bakery worker Oscar Benavides. 

The baby was rushed to the hospital in stable condition. 

Officers tried locating the woman but were unsuccessful. She is described as a white female with short dark hair who appeared to be unhoused. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or 805-650-8010. Police say she may be in medical need. 

The State of California has a "Safe Surrender" program, allowing a parent or person with lawful custody to safely surrender a baby
confidentially, and without fear of prosecution, within 72 hours of birth. Safe Surrender programs are available at hospitals and fire stations. A full list can be found online at cdss.ca.gov.