DA: Investigation underway after abandoned baby found alive in trash can in Dorchester

BOSTON — Silvana Sanchez says it was luck but many consider her a hero after she helped save a baby that had been abandoned outside in a trash can.

“I think I was just at the right place at the right time. It was just by chance,” she said.

Boston Police were called to the area of 2262 Dorchester Ave. Friday afternoon after a baby was found abandoned in a trash can.

Sanchez heard crying on her way home from work at about 1:15 p.m. Friday in the busy Lower Mills section of Dorchester so she called to EMTs who were on a call nearby.

“I was like I hear crying from this trash. I need you to come here and look inside for me because I was too scared,” she said.

An EMT reached into the trach can, pulled out a plastic bag, then cut it open. Inside was a crying baby. “They ran with the baby to the truck and took it straight to the hospital,” said Sanchez.

People who live and work nearby are stunned.

The baby was found in front of Pat’s Pizza. The owner, Patrick Newell, says there was a police detail out front all day who had just left. “Probably about 15 to 20 minutes later all the police were out here so it wasn’t that long before the baby was found,” said Newell.

And, there was a police detail out front all day that had just left.

“Probably about 15 to 20 minutes later all the police were out here so it wasn’t that long before the baby was found,” said Newell.

Officials tell us the baby appears to be OK.

Police say they have located the child’s mother.

It’s unclear how old the child is and how long they were in the trash can before being found.

The Rev. Jack Ahern is the pastor of St Gregory’s Church just up the street.

“It’s incredibly sad. You think about the person, probably the mother who placed it there and how difficult it is for them. So, our prayers for her and for the child,” Ahern said.

As for Sanchez, she has a message for the mother.

“I don’t blame you. At the end of the day I am not here to judge you. Just know your child is alive and healthy and safe at a hospital somewhere,” she said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office is investigating the matter, Rollins said in a statement Friday.

“The newborn is being treated at a local hospital, as is the mother,” the statement said.

Since 2004, the Safe Haven Act of Massachusetts allows a parent to legally surrender newborn infants 7 days old or younger at any hospital, police station, or manned fire station without fear of facing criminal prosecution. In addition, services are always available to help new parents: The parental stress line, 800-632-8188 is staffed 24/7 in all languages and the National Safe Haven Alliance has a 24/7 crisis line at 888-510-BABY.

“We want parents of newborns to be aware that there are options available when they feel hopeless or overwhelmed,” Rollins said. “That this newborn survived is a miracle. The civilian who alerted authorities should be commended for getting involved and helping. We are hoping for this child’s continued good health.”

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