Columbus Police Investigating After Newborn Baby Found in Dumpster

COLUMBUS, Ga.—The Columbus Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is investigating after a newborn baby boy was found in a dumpster on Tuesday evening.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on September 2, the baby was discovered in a dumpster behind the Budgetel in the 3100 block of Victory Drive. He was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional, where he is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Columbus Police Department reminded the public about Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns Act, which allows a parent to safely and anonymously surrender a newborn up to 30 days old at a hospital, police station, or fire station without facing criminal charges.

Police are working with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to ensure the child’s safety and determine the next steps for his care.