Arizona Officers Rescue Newborn Following Welfare Check

Police in Phoenix discovered a newborn described as “living” during a welfare check, according to an announcement from the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) on Thursday.

The check was initiated after a neighbor expressed concern about not seeing the mother and her baby for several days. PPD shared the details in a Facebook post.

“In the house, they found the mother had passed away, but the baby was alive, though seriously dehydrated and in distress,” the post explained.

Bodycam footage from May 14 captures officers looking through the windows. One officer can be heard calling out “Hello,” followed by another exclaiming, “the baby is here.”

“The officer peered through the open window and noticed an adult woman who wasn’t moving,” said Sgt. Brian Bauer, a PPD spokesperson, in a statement to Az Family. “The mother was still on the bed, curled up as she had left.”

The footage shows officers breaking down the door and rushing inside. One officer retrieves the baby from a blanket on the bed, noting the newborn appeared quite weak.

“Come on, little one,” the officer said as he took the child to a stroller.

One officer is heard discussing the situation, saying, “[The] Mom is dead. The baby had been alone for at least a week.”

The video captures the moment when the officer hands the baby over to EMTs.

The infant was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, according to the police department.

“We’re pleased to report that the baby’s condition has greatly improved and they are expected to survive,” PPD announced.

Bauer mentioned to Az Family that without prompt assistance from the police officers, the child might not have survived much longer, although specific details about the woman’s death have yet to be disclosed.