Staff Reports
Indianapolis police found a newborn abandoned in a tree line near a trail on the city’s far east side and now say they urgently need the public’s help to find the mother. The discovery has sparked an active investigation and a blunt public appeal from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Newborn discovered near Lace Bark Lane: what we know
IMPD officers located the infant near the tree line of a trail off Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive after callers reported an abandoned child. The baby was taken to Riley Hospital for Children and is reported to be in stable condition. Investigators have opened the case (IP260059334) and are asking anyone who saw anything — or who may have information — to come forward.
Police plea and where to call
Police were blunt: “Detectives are deeply concerned for the mother, who may need urgent medical attention. We want to ensure she is safe and receives care,” IMPD said in a social post. If you have tips, call 911, the IMPD Missing Persons Unit at 317‑327‑6160, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317‑262‑TIPS (8477). Investigators are also asking residents to check dash-cam, doorbell, or trail-camera footage from the area.
Safe surrender vs. abandonment — important context
Police and local outlets reminded readers about Indiana’s safe-surrender options as an alternative to abandoning a child. Several reports mentioned a “60‑day” window, but state-law summaries commonly list a shorter limit — reporters have not seen a state confirmation in this case. Bottom line: the public should use official safe-surrender channels and child-welfare resources if they or someone they know faces a crisis with an infant.
What this should make us do — a clear call
This story is both a tragedy and a warning. Someone abandoned a baby where it could have died. That’s heartbreaking, and it also exposes failures in community safety nets, crisis counseling, and outreach to pregnant women in desperate situations. Law enforcement should find the mother and offer medical and mental-health help. Churches, neighbors, and conservative community groups should step up local support so a woman in crisis sees options other than tossing a newborn into the brush. And if you know anything at all, say something — tipsters can remain anonymous.
Investigators are actively following leads. For the sake of the child and the mother, Indianapolis residents should check cameras, call the numbers above, and let the authorities do their work. This case needs answers — and a stronger safety net that prevents desperate acts from ever happening again.
