BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A newborn baby was found dead next to a dumpster in a south Bakersfield shopping center Monday morning.

At about 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Bakersfield police were called to Plaza Vallarta near Panama Lane. It’s believed the woman gave birth to the baby in the space between two dumpsters.

It’s not known if the child was born alive, but according to a manager at one of the stores, Wingstop workers first called 911 after hearing the cries of a baby from behind the store.

When police arrived, they found a lifeless newborn. They pronounced the baby deceased. Police did not say if the child was a male or female and provided no further description. The mother of the newborn was also at the scene and was taken to the hospital.

No arrests have been made as of Monday night.

This incident comes on the heels of the Department of Human Services requesting the Board of Supervisors commemorate February as Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month during its Tuesday meeting.

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Along with the proclamation, DHS wants to educate the community about the importance of the Safely Surrendered for Newborns law. The law gives parents up to 72 hours to surrender their child to local fire stations or hospitals.

Since 2006, 105 babies have been safely surrendered in Kern County.

In a statement from Kern DHS, they say it’s safe and it’s legal. Under this law, a person may surrender their baby confidentially without fear of arrest or prosecution for abandonment.

A similar proclamation is also set for the Bakersfield City Council.

For anyone that is considering a safe surrender of a newborn, infants can be dropped off at any local fire station or hospital emergency room. You can also call 211 or 1-877- 222-9723 or BABYSAF for help.

The Bakersfield Police Department is still investigating this incident.

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