Table of Contents
Police in Longueuil have released a surveillance video<\/strong> as part of their investigation into the abandonment of a newborn<\/em> baby on the South Shore of Montreal. This incident occurred late Sunday night and has drawn considerable public concern. The footage, made public on Tuesday, shows an individual walking along the sidewalk while carrying the baby shortly before the infant was found at the entrance of a residence.
Details surrounding the abandonment
The video timestamp indicates that the incident took place at approximately 10:49 p.m. The individual featured remains unidentified, as their gender is not clearly discernible. They are seen wearing dark clothing, including a hooded windbreaker and sandals.
Shortly after this person left, a premature newborn, born at just 34 weeks, was discovered on the doorstep with their umbilical cord still attached. This raises serious concerns regarding the circumstances of the child’s delivery.
Immediate actions taken
Reports indicate that an individual rang the doorbell before leaving an infant at the entrance of a home on Bourgeoys Street, near the intersections of Boulevard Jacques-Cartier East and Boulevard Béliveau.
Authorities have stated that the identities of both the mother and father remain unknown, leading police to make a direct appeal to the child’s parents.
During a media briefing, police spokesperson Jacqueline Pierre emphasized that the investigation’s primary goal is not to pursue criminal charges, but rather to ensure the safety and well-being of the newborn and the mother.
“We can’t confirm if the individual in the video is a man, woman, adult, or teenager,” Pierre stated, underscoring the urgency of identifying the person captured in the footage.
Public appeal for information
Investigators are seeking assistance from the community to identify an individual seen in a surveillance clip.
They emphasized that details like the person’s walking gait and choice of footwear could be crucial in providing leads. Authorities are also exploring whether the child was born in a medical facility and are in the process of obtaining a warrant for relevant medical records.
Compassionate outreach to the individual
In a compassionate stance, police have assured the individual responsible for the abandonment that their primary concern is the child’s safety. “This act, while concerning, indicates a desire for your child to be safe,” Pierre stated, addressing the individual directly. “We invite you, with the compassion and respect your situation deserves, to come forward.”
Echoing these sentiments, clinical psychologist Dr. Rina Gupta highlighted that the mother may be in a vulnerable situation. She suggested that the mother might feel abandoning her child was the only way to ensure their safety. “This person took efforts to make sure the baby is safe and cared for, and we really do have to commend them for that,” Dr. Gupta stated, acknowledging the complexities surrounding such a decision.
Well-being of the newborn
The newborn is currently receiving care at a hospital and is reported to be in good health, which offers some relief amid these troubling circumstances. Social workers and support services are on standby, ready to assist the family if they choose to reach out to authorities.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the individual in the surveillance footage to contact investigators as soon as possible. Community involvement is crucial to ensuring a safe resolution for both the newborn and the mother in this troubling situation.
