A Toronto police source confirms to Global News that a baby reportedly found at a north-end shopping centre Tuesday morning was in fact born at a nearby home and not abandoned outdoors.
The source said the woman who gave birth to the baby called police and claimed she found the baby outside in an alleyway. Officers responded to a call at the North York home shortly after 10:30 a.m., following reports that a baby boy had been discovered at the near shopping plaza.
The source said the baby was cold to the touch and in distress when paramedics first arrived, adding the umbilical cord was still attached.
READ MORE: Newborn baby found abandoned outdoors in Toronto, police say
Paramedics subsequently took the baby to Humber River Hospital where the newborn is in critical condition. Police said the mother is being treated by medical staff as well.
When asked about the incident, a Toronto police spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing.
The spokesperson said the mother hasn’t been charged as of Tuesday afternoon, but added charges could be laid at a later time.
Police initially said the baby was located just before 11 a.m. in an alleyway at a commercial complex in the area of Keele Street and Lawrence Avenue West.