By Cliff Pinckard
cleveland.com
PONTIAC, Mich. — A 4-month-old boy is recovering after authorities say he was abandoned Wednesday in a wooded area by his mother, who might have been under the influence of prescription drugs.
A news release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office says deputies searching for the baby found him in a “hypothermic state.” They quickly removed the baby’s wet sleeper and wrapped him in warm blankets.
The boy was expected to be kept in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital overnight for further treatment and observation. He has been turned over to child protective services.
The search for the child was spurred when deputies were called at about 8:35 a.m. by residents who said a woman was ringing doorbells of homes and hiding in bushes. The woman reportedly was distraught and told people that she was being chased by someone with guns, the release says.
The 37-year-old woman had left the area by the time deputies arrived. However, staff at nearby middle school reported there was a “frantic” woman pounding on the doors of the school, which were locked.
Deputies found her and learned she had an infant son. They noticed there were burrs on her pants and realized she likely had been in a field or a wooded area. They say they also suspected the woman might have been under the influence of prescription drugs.
“Thankfully, deputies were able to determine a baby was missing, which triggered an immediate large response and search, and they were able locate the child,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in the release. “Their quick work avoided what could have been an unspeakable tragedy.”
Thirteen patrol cars were called in, as well as a K-9 unit, a plane and a drone to assist with the search for the child. The child was found about 30 minutes later. It’s unclear how long the child had been left outside.
A warrant is being sought for the mother’s arrest on suspected child abuse.
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