Police in the metro-east seek public’s help in identifying abandoned newborn

Collinsville Police are asking the public for help identifying an abandoned newborn found in the Cahokia Mounds parking lot Sunday.

Law enforcement responded to the site at approximately 8:35 a.m. after a 911 caller found the infant, a news release states. Major Mark Kuechle of the Collinsville Police Department said the infant was left next to the caller’s parked vehicle.

The infant, described as a Hispanic male, was sleeping and secured in a green and black Evenflo car seat, the release says. He’s estimated to be between a week and a month old and was wearing an orange and white striped onsie and small hat.

Kuechle said the infant was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was in good health. He is now in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services custody.

Witnesses saw a Hispanic male driving a dark blue, “extremely loud” older car in the parking lot between 7:40 and 8 p.m. The car traveled westbound on Collinsville Road after leaving the parking lot, the release stated.

Collinsville Police ask anyone who recognizes the infant’s description — including his clothing or car seat — the suspect, vehicle or has surveillance footage from the area to contact the police or Crime Stoppers. They are also asking for information about any recently-pregnant Hispanic females. It’s important to determine that the infant’s mother is safe too, Kuechle said.

Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131 or to Detective Josh Fields directly at extension 5297. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.