Woman gives birth on sidewalk, then drags her newborn down street, Hawaii police say

A 41-year-old woman was seen dragging her newborn baby down a Hilo street after giving birth on the sidewalk, Hawaii police reported.

Officers and emergency crews responding to reports of the incident shortly after 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, found the woman and baby at an intersection, Hawaii police said in a Jan. 18 news release.

The mother, whom police described as being homeless, and baby were still attached by the umbilical cord, police said.

When medics cut the umbilical cord, the woman tried to leave but was detained by police, the release said.

The baby was breathing but not moving, police said. Mother and infant were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Police released the woman pending further investigation after she was admitted to the hospital, the release said.

The infant was determined to be in good condition and was “transferred to the custody of Child Welfare Services,” police said.

Police ask anyone with information to call 808-935-3311 or contact detective Patrick Aurello at 808-961-8810 or patrick.aurello@hawaiicounty.gov.

This story was originally published January 21, 2024 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Woman gives birth on sidewalk, then drags her newborn down street, Hawaii police say."