PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A baby is in the hospital after her mother gave birth on a sidewalk in Portland and then walked away from the child, authorities said.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, officers and first responders received a report that a woman had given birth to a baby on the sidewalk near S.W. 13th and Market St. on Wednesday shortly before 11 a.m. The report said the mother then began walking away.
Officer Kirby-Glatkowski and his partner were patrolling the area in search of a serial burglar when they got the call.
“It’s a cold day, it wasn’t raining at that moment, but it was raining earlier and the sidewalk at Southwest 13th and Market is no place to deliver a baby alone,” Kirby-Glatkowski said.
When they arrived, paramedics began evaluating the health of the baby.
“They said the mother, the woman, was stumbling away eastbound on Market with a lot of blood and amniotic fluid all over her,” Kirby-Glatkowski explained.
“Officers then caught up with the mother nearby,” said the Portland Police Bureau. “She was evaluated and placed on a police officer hold to get a mental health evaluation. She and her baby, a girl, were transported to the hospital by ambulance.”
PPB added that the officers were told at the scene that both the mother and baby appeared healthy.
Officer Kirby-Glatkowski and his partner were not only closest to the scene – they’re also on PPB’s Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team—officers who are trained to work with people in mental crisis.
“My partner and I went to try and engage her, contact her, talk to her see what was going on. We were able, with some additional resources on scene, get her stopped at about 12th and Market and get her into an ambulance and into a hospital for physical assessment and also address other issues,” Kirby-Glatkowski said.
In an Instagram post, the PPB Central Bike Squad said they responded to the call and thanked community members who saw the incident take place, immediately covered up the baby and then called 911.
Police say they’re still working to learn more about the woman and the circumstances leading up to the situation. Police also told KOIN 6 News that PPB’s Behavioral Health Unit has been in touch with her in the past.
“I can’t believe, frankly, that that happened and I’m glad we have safe of a resolution as possible today,” Kirby-Glatkowski said.
Mental health resources:
The Multnomah County Mental Health Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 503-988-4888 if you or someone near you is going through a serious crisis.
The county also has an urgent walk-in clinic available at no cost.
If you can’t get to the urgent walk-clinic, or are trying to get help for someone else, mobile crisis services are also available by calling 503-988-4888.
Other Crisis Lines:
Clackamas County
503-655-8585
Washington County
503-291-9111
Clark County
360-696-9560
1-800-626-8137