Longueuil police have released surveillance footage in the hopes of identifying a person of interest in the case of a newborn baby left on a doorstep this weekend.
On Tuesday, the Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil (SPAL) released footage showing a person holding something in their arms as they walk down a sidewalk.
“The person appears to be holding the child in their arms at the time of recording,” Jacqueline Pierre, spokesperson for the SPAL, told reporters at a news conference.
Pierre said that person “may have crucial information that could help us assist the mother and/or father” of the baby.
On Sunday at around 11 p.m. ET, a person rang the doorbell of a home on Bourgeoys Street and fled the scene. A newborn was found swaddled in a blanket with his umbilical cord still attached, according to police.
The people inside the home immediately called 911.
Police and paramedics provided care to the child, who was taken to hospital and is in good health.
On Monday, Longueuil police announced they were looking for the person who left the baby.
They said they would go door to door to determine whether anyone in the area had camera footage that could help them locate the newborn’s parents.
If someone recognizes the person seen in the video, Pierre asks them to contact the police.
During the news conference, Pierre also addressed the parents.
“We understand that you are undoubtedly going through an extremely difficult period at the moment,” she said, adding that the police’s current priority is the parents.
“We are concerned not only about your physical health… but we are also concerned about your mental health.”
Pierre asked the mother of the baby, who recently gave birth, and the other parent to seek medical care, adding that police have “compassion” and are concerned about their health.
Mélanie Mercille, another spokesperson for the SPAL, said the infant was born at 34 weeks.
Mercille also told Radio-Canada that information from the public prompted investigators to conduct checks in Marguerite Bourgeoys Park, located near the residence where the baby was found. The park was closed to the public on Monday.
