1-year-old boy abandoned outside apartment complex found with wound to mouth, police say
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A 1-year-old boy found abandoned outside an apartment complex in southwest Houston appears to also have a small injury.
As an investigation continues into why the boy was at the complex, authorities are pleading for the mother to come forward and explain what happened.
The baby was found by an employee and resident at the complex on 10300 S. Wilcrest Drive on Tuesday at about 12:40 p.m., according to detectives. He was found crying, abandoned near an iron fence at The Onyx apartment complex.
The child has a wound to his mouth but is otherwise OK. Detectives added that the child's injury wasn't caused by anyone, but rather happened as he had been left alone.
On Wednesday evening, a relative called the Houston Police Department to identify the child. During a press conference on Thursday, detectives said the relative also identified the child's mom but detectives have not been able to reach her.
"We don't want to say that we're trying to file a charge on the mom because we don't even know," said Sgt. R. Swope with the Houston Police Department. "There could be many possibilities."
The baby is currently under CPS custody. Detectives say the child's father has made contact with CPS. At this time, the investigation is still in its early stages, but detectives said they are still hoping to hear from the mom.
The baby was found at the Onyx apartments, but authorities said his parents are not residents of that complex.
"I didn't hear anybody talk about it (Tuesday), but the police were in our apartments. I saw it all over my newsfeed, the baby everywhere. I was like, 'Wow.' Then I put two and two together. I'm like, 'That is why they were here yesterday in my apartments looking for this baby,'" said Lexie Gardner, a resident at The Onyx.
ABC13 does not know the child's name. It was unclear how long he had been outside, and authorities said they are working to figure out the timeline.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department at 713-884-3131 or Detective R. Blackmon at 713-830-3265.
