Austin, Texas, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Police Department has arrested a suspect linked to the abandonment of a newborn baby found in a dumpster in North Austin. The baby girl was discovered by a passerby on Saturday, still connected by her umbilical cord. After being rescued, she was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center for recovery. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, working to identify the mother, and a press conference is scheduled for further updates. This case underscores the importance of the Safe Haven Law that allows parents to surrender newborns safely.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Police Department has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a newborn baby found abandoned in a dumpster in North Austin. The arrest took place on Wednesday, but specific details about the suspect and the charges filed are yet to be disclosed.
The disturbing incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when neighbors reported hearing faint cries coming from a dumpster located at 8600 N. Lamar Boulevard. Police were notified around 1:37 p.m., prompting a swift response. A man notably jumped into the dumpster to rescue the newborn girl, who was discovered amongst trash and still had her umbilical cord attached.
The infant was immediately transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center, where she is now recovering. Austin Police Department officials confirmed that the baby was placed in child protective care after being found. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m., where police anticipate providing further details regarding the arrest. Attendees will include APD Child Abuse Detectives, as well as representatives from the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Austin Fire Department, and Austin-Travis County EMS.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the mother of the newborn baby, along with any other individuals involved in the incident. In light of the situation, community responses have emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that had help not arrived quickly, the baby could have been in severe danger.
In Texas, the Safe Haven Law provides parents with the legal option to surrender their newborns at designated locations, such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations, without facing legal consequences. This law is intended to prevent abandonment cases and ensure the safety of infants. Monica Kelsey, the CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, noted the critical need for public education regarding safe alternatives to abandonment. Although Safe Haven boxes are currently not available in Austin, efforts are underway to establish their presence in the future.
This incident has sparked discussion within the community about the importance of awareness surrounding the Safe Haven Law and available resources for those in distress. Authorities are urging anyone who may face a crisis situation to consider surrendering a baby rather than resorting to abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the incident involving the newborn baby?
The Austin Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect related to a newborn baby found in a dumpster in North Austin. The baby girl was discovered in a dumpster at 8600 N. Lamar Boulevard on Saturday afternoon.
What is the status of the baby?
The infant was taken to Dell Children’s Medical Center and is recovering. The baby was placed in child protective care after being found.
What is the Safe Haven Law in Texas?
Texas has a Safe Haven Law, allowing parents to surrender a newborn at designated locations, such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations, without facing legal consequences.
Will more resources for safe surrendering of newborns be made available in Austin?
Kelsey noted that while Safe Haven boxes are not currently available in Austin, efforts are being made to expand their presence in the future.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 8600 N. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas |
| Incident Date | Saturday afternoon |
| Baby Status | Recovering at Dell Children’s Medical Center |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing to identify the mother and additional individuals |
| Public Response | Discussions surrounding Safe Haven Law and available resources |
| Press Conference | Scheduled for Thursday at 11:30 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Abandoned Baby Found in Austin Dumpster, Police Make Arrest
Newborn Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Newborn Baby Rescued from Dumpster in North Austin
Newborn Baby Girl Abandoned in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in Austin Dumpster
Baby Found Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Baby Girl Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Law
- KVUE News
- Google Search: Safe Haven Law Texas
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Safe Haven Law Texas
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Safe Haven Law
- KXAN
- Google News: Newborn found in dumpster Austin
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
