Man looking for recyclables finds newborn in trash; she’s ‘doing well’

A man rummaging through a trash container for recyclables in Merced early Thursday found a newborn baby girl wrapped in a towel, alive and with her umbilical cord still attached, police said.

The man heard the rustling of movement before he saw the baby girl about 5:48 a.m., according to Merced police Capt. Tom Trindad.

The baby was taken to an area hospital where she was “doing well,” he said.

When the man, whose name was not released, found the baby, he let out a scream for help. His cry got the attention of Jimmy and Annette Alvarez, who ran from their apartment building in the 900 block of D Street, KOVR-TV in Sacramento reported.

The baby was covered in gnats and trash, so Jimmy Alvarez said he reached into the trash bin, removed the child and wrapped her in his shirt.

Annette Alvarez told the news station she tapped on the infant’s chest, prompting a loud scream.

Now police are looking for the child’s mother, who they fear may need medical attention and “could possibly be in danger,” Trindad said.

Police said it was still early in the investigation and didn’t know if criminal charges could be filed.

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