Man Arrested for Sexual Misconduct After Infant Found Abandoned in Indianapolis Woods

On July 24, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers found a newborn abandoned near a trail at Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive, noting significant blood and placenta at the scene. The infant was taken to a local hospital for a welfare check and remained in stable condition. Four days later, detectives located the 16-year-old mother, who said she and her boyfriend, then 20, did not realize she was pregnant until after birth.

The boyfriend, a 21-year-old man, was later apprehended at Eskenazi Hospital, where he denied knowledge of the pregnancy and refused to acknowledge paternity. He has been charged with sexual misconduct with a minor after court documents indicated the relationship began when the girl was 15. IMPD reminded the community of Indiana’s Safe Haven law and asked anyone with tips to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.