On August 30, 2026, the White Plains Department of Public Safety responded to a distressing incident involving an abandoned newborn infant.
Early this morning, police officers were dispatched to ShopRite inside the City Center shopping complex following reports of an infant discovered in a women’s room. Upon arrival, first responders acted swiftly to secure the scene and ensure the infant received immediate, life-saving medical attention. The newborn was promptly transported to White Plains Hospital, where the child is reported to be in stable condition.
The circumstances surrounding this event are heart-wrenching, and our thoughts remain with the infant during their recovery. The White Plains Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division has launched a thorough investigation into this matter as a potential case of child abandonment. As part of our investigation, specialized units, including the Harrison PD and Westchester County PD K9 teams, have deployed to help locate the individual responsible for the infant’s welfare. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Special Prosecution Unit has been contacted and is assisting the investigation.
A Critical Reminder: The Safe Haven / Abandoned Infant Protection Act
The Department of Public Safety would like to emphasize the availability of New York State’s “Safe Haven” law, designed specifically to prevent tragedies like this and to ensure the safety of newborns.
Under the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, an individual will not be held criminally liable for child abandonment if they ensure the following conditions are met:
The child is not more than 30 days old.
The child is left with the intent that they remain safe from physical injury and receive proper care.
The infant is left in a “safe haven” location—such as a hospital, police station, or fire station—or with an appropriate person.
The individual promptly notifies an appropriate person of the infant’s location.
It is vital for the community to know that these actions can be taken safely, legally, and—if requested—completely anonymously. There is no shame in seeking help, and there are resources available to ensure the safety of both parent and child.
We sincerely appreciate the community who notified this department and the first responders who acted with urgency and professionalism this morning. Their rapid intervention was instrumental in securing the infant’s wellbeing.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the White Plains Police Department at 914-422-6111.
The Department is also aware that there is a photo being circulated on social media that is not the infant involved in this investigation.
Note: Media outlets have reported that the mother has been indentified as 32-year-old Guerlande Atila. No charges have been filed against her yet.