A 7-day-old newborn was found living with his parents inside a makeshift tent beneath an Interstate 5 overpass in Yolo County, California, prompting authorities to remove the infant and place the child in protective custody. Deputies said the baby was discovered in what investigators described as hazardous and unsanitary conditions.
The discovery was made on Sept. 9 after the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office received a welfare tip about a couple living with a newborn near County Road 19A. Authorities subsequently arrested the child’s parents on suspicion of child endangerment.
Deputies Find Newborn Beneath California Freeway
When deputies arrived, they found the parents and their week-old baby inside a tent positioned directly underneath the I-5 overpass.
Emergency responders evaluated the infant before transporting the child to Woodland Memorial Hospital. The newborn was later transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit in Sacramento County for additional medical evaluation.
Yolo County detectives and Child Welfare Services also responded to the scene as authorities investigated the baby’s living conditions. The infant was ultimately placed in protective custody because of concerns about the child’s immediate safety.
Investigators Report Unsanitary Conditions
According to investigators, the area surrounding the tent contained several items and conditions that raised serious safety concerns. Authorities reported finding suspected methamphetamine pipes, accumulated garbage, spoiled food and sleeping arrangements consisting of a dirt floor without proper bedding.
Investigators also reported vomit on a mattress and feces inside a baby carrier. The mother’s placenta and umbilical cord were reportedly found in a nearby garbage bag.
The tent’s location beneath the busy interstate also meant the family was exposed to loud traffic noise from vehicles traveling above the shelter.
Authorities said the parents acknowledged the risks associated with the environment. Investigators reported that they told of
