A 33-year-old woman was arrested by Longueuil police Monday, hours after a baby found abandoned in a Longueuil bus shelter was declared dead in hospital.
Longueuil police spokesperson François Boucher provided no details on how the woman was taken into custody, but confirmed she may be subject to a psychological evaluation and could face charges in connection with the infant’s death.
“Right now we’re talking about someone who is in need of support,” he said.
Police were informed of the baby’s presence in the bus shelter on Chambly Rd. near Briggs St. E. by a 911 call made around 6 a.m.
The newborn wasn’t breathing when police arrived at the scene Monday morning, Longueuil police spokesperson Jacqueline Pierre said. After attempting resuscitation, first responders rushed the baby to hospital, she said, where the death was confirmed.
An autopsy will likely be performed to determine the precise cause of the infant’s death.
Police cruisers and tape surrounded the bus shelter Monday morning and a Longueuil police command post was set up.
The newborn’s death “is causing me a lot of pain,” said Longueuil resident Sandra Delcourt, who said she knows the area well and often passes the bus shelter on morning walks. She said she regretted not having been in the area earlier, to signal the incident to police.
It was the second time in three weeks Longueuil police were called upon to deal with the discovery of an abandoned baby. On the evening of Oct. 5, a newborn wasleft on the doorstepof a residence on Bourgeoys St. The search for the parents of that child is continuing.
Police “were actually all pretty shocked” when the first abandoned baby was discovered, Pierre said.
Having now responded to a second incident, “We still do not understand what’s going on and we are worried,” she said.
“So many factors,” can lead to a baby’s abandonment, Pierre said. “It could be social. It could be because of family matters. It could be religion,” she said. “There are so many scenarios and possibilities. It’s a big question mark right now.”
This story will be updated.
