Police 'confident' they have found parents of baby abandoned in Lakewood yard

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Police say they are "confident" they have found the parents of a baby who was found abandoned in a Lakewood yard Monday morning.

Police had asked for the public’s help to identify the infant boy, who appeared to be about three months old.

"We do not have answers yet on the circumstances that led up to the child being abandoned," Lakewood Lt. Chris Lawler said.

Lawler said the parents are being interviewed.

Citing locations where babies could safely be dropped off by parents such as local churches or fire stations, Lawler says the parents could be charged with child neglect or abandonment.

"If somebody did that on purpose, it's very neglectful, and they would be held responsible if appropriate, of course," said Lawler.

At about 1:31 a.m. on Monday, officers were called to the 8500 block of John Dower Road Southwest for a report of a found infant.

The person who found the child was walking past a yard and heard what they thought was an animal in distress.

They used the flashlight on their phone and found a baby lying in the grass.

They immediately called 911 and officers responded with West Pierce Fire and Rescue.  The child was a little cold, but otherwise in good health with no injuries.

The child was taken to a local hospital and placed into protective custody with Child Protective Services.

"If somebody intentionally got rid of a child, that child was in danger of freezing. It got pretty cold last night, obviously he wasn't dressed for it, babies can't regulate their heat very well," said Lawler.

Officers canvassed the local area, but were unable to find a parent until they followed a lead Monday afternoon.

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