Newborn found abandoned in ShopRite restroom; suspect in custody

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Published September 1, 2026 9:13 AM EDT

PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK  - MARCH 18: An image of the sign for a ShopRite supermarket as photographed on March 18, 2020 in Plainview, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • An infant found abandoned early Sunday morning in the restroom of a White Plains ShopRite is now in stable condition at a local hospital.
    • Authorities have identified and arrested a suspect.
    • In response to the incident, police are highlighting New York’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - A suspect has been arrested following the discovery of an abandoned newborn infant inside a supermarket restroom this weekend.

What we know:

Officers from the White Plains Police Department were dispatched to the ShopRite in the City Center shopping complex after receiving reports of an infant left in the women’s room early Sunday morning.

First responders quickly secured the scene and ensured the child received immediate, life-saving medical attention. The newborn was transported to White Plains Hospital and remains in stable condition.

A suspect has been identified and is in custody, but police have yet to release their identity.

Fake photo

What they're saying:

Authorities are cautioning the public that a photo currently circulating on social media claiming to show the infant is fake and not connected to the investigation.

The police department also extended its gratitude to the shoppers and supermarket staff who initially discovered the infant.

"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."

What's next:

Westchester County Child Protective Services has stepped in to manage the child’s future care.

Investigators have processed multiple crime scenes and are continuing to conduct witness interviews. Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the White Plains Police Department.

New York's Safe Haven Law

What you can do:

In the wake of the incident, the White Plains Department of Public Safety issued an urgent reminder regarding New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act, commonly known as the "Safe Haven" law.

The legislation is designed to prevent tragic outcomes by allowing individuals to surrender an infant safely, legally, and—if requested—completely anonymously. Under the law, a person will not face criminal liability for child abandonment provided the following conditions are met:

  • The child is no 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 surrendered at a "safe haven" location—such as a hospital, police station, or firehouse—or handed to an appropriate person.
  • The individual promptly notifies an appropriate person of the infant’s location.

The Source: Information from this article was provided by the White Plains Police Department.

New YorkCrime and Public Safety