IMPD seeks mother after infant found near Lace Bark
Police are seeking the mother after an infant found Lace Bark trail area alone shortly before midnight on July 24. Officers found the newborn near Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive on Indianapolis's far east side; the baby is stable in hospital, and detectives fear the mother may need urgent medical care.
Key Takeaways
- IMPD found a newborn in a tree line near a trail at Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive just before 11:30 p.m. on July 24.
- The infant was taken to Riley Hospital for Children and is reported in stable condition.
- Detectives say they are deeply concerned the mother may need urgent medical attention.
- Anyone with information can tip police anonymously; Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana is at 317-262-TIPS (8477).
- Indiana's Safe Haven Law allows a person to anonymously surrender an infant without fear of arrest or prosecution.
Where was the infant found Lace Bark area, and what happened?
According to IndyStar and IMPD statements reported locally, officers were dispatched shortly before midnight on July 24 to check on the welfare of a child near Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive.
That intersection sits at the end of a neighborhood near East 38th Street and North German Church Road on Indianapolis's far east side. IMPD said officers found a newborn baby in the tree line near a trail.
The newborn was transported to Riley Hospital for Children and is in stable condition, according to police updates carried by local news outlets. IndyStar reported that, as of noon on July 26, IMPD had not yet provided a further status update on the baby or mother when asked.
Why is IMPD still looking for the mother?
Police say their priority is the mother's health and safety, not only identifying who left the child. In a public statement, IMPD wrote that detectives are deeply concerned for the mother, who may need urgent medical attention, and that they want to ensure she is safe and receives care.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the mother, the baby, or what occurred to come forward. Tipsters may remain anonymous. People with information are asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477).
Coverage of urgent public-safety alerts also appears in our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub when local developments intersect with broader community awareness needs.
What does Indiana's Safe Haven Law allow in cases like this?
IMPD reminded the public that Indiana's Safe Haven Law allows someone to safely and anonymously surrender an infant without fear of arrest or prosecution. After a lawful surrender, the baby is placed under Child Protective Services or a Licensed Child Placing Agency, IndyStar reported.
Authorities have stressed that safe, legal surrender options exist so parents in crisis can protect both the infant and themselves. Leaving a newborn alone outdoors is not that process, which is why police continue to seek the mother and any witnesses.
If you know anything about the infant found Lace Bark trail case, contact Crime Stoppers or IMPD so detectives can check on the mother's condition and secure care if needed.