Sheriff's deputies rescue newborn found buried near river

COMPTON, CA -- Sheriff's officials asked for the public's help Saturday in gaining information about a newborn baby deputies rescued after finding her buried beside a popular Compton bike path.

The girl was believed to be only 36 to 48 hours old when she was found Friday afternoon near a creek that flows into the Los Angeles River. Sgt. Marvin Jaramilla of the Sheriff's Department's special victim unit said she is listed in stable condition.

Jaramilla said two deputies found the girl after people on the bike path heard her cries and called authorities.

"As they searched, deputies heard a baby's muffled cry and located a newborn baby girl buried alive under pieces of asphalt and rubble inside a crevice located along the bike path," the sheriff's sergeant said in a statement.

He added she was wrapped in a blanket and cold to the touch when deputies found her. They summoned Compton Fire Department paramedics who took her to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in identifying her.

"Some parents of newborns can find themselves in difficult circumstances. Sadly, babies are sometimes harmed or abandoned by parents who feel that they're not ready or able to raise a child," Jaramilla said.

He added that anyone in such a situation should simply surrender their newborn to authorities, who will care for the child.

"A parent stuck in this difficult situation can safely surrender their baby at any hospital or fire station in Los Angeles County, no questions asked," he said.