Police: Homeless woman gives birth on sidewalk in downtown Hilo

Police are investigating an incident involving a 41-year-old homeless Hilo woman who gave birth Tuesday evening on a sidewalk in downtown Hilo.

Shortly after 5:15 p.m., officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to the intersection of Mamo Street and Keawe Street after receiving reports that a woman who had given birth was reportedly dragging the newborn.

Responding medics located the woman, with the baby still attached by the umbilical cord.

Medics cut the cord and immediately began providing medical attention to the infant female, who was breathing but was not moving.

The newborn was then transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room.

After the baby was separated from the mother by medical personnel, the woman began leaving the area, according to police.

She was taken into custody by police for abandonment of a child also transported to HMC for treatment.

The infant was provided pediatric care at the hospital, and doctors determined she was in good condition. She was later transferred to the custody of Child Welfare Services.

The mother was released from police custody pending further investigation because she was admitted to the hospital for further treatment and observation.

Upon completion of their investigation, police will route the appropriate charges to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for review.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Patrick Aurello of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 961-8810, or via email at patrick.aurello@hawaiicounty.gov.

See Friday’s Tribune-Herald for more of this story.