Longueuil police release video after child left on porch

Surveillance camera footage shows a woman who left a baby boy on the doorstep of a home in Longueuil on Montreal's South Shore.

Longueuil police (SPAL) are releasing surveillance camera footage in the hopes of identifying a woman who abandoned a premature baby on the doorstep of a home on Montreal’s South Shore.

The house’s occupants found the baby on Sunday night after someone rang the doorbell.

The boy, born premature at 34 weeks, was brought to hospital and is doing well, police said Monday. His umbilical cord was still attached when he was found.

The video shows a person, likely a woman, seemingly holding the baby while walking down the street.

Police are not confirming if the person is the mother, but say they are of interest.

Police believe the person in the video left the baby on the porch.

Anyone with information is urged to call 450-463-7211.

‘We’re not talking about charges at all’

At a news conference, SPAL spokesperson Jacqueline Pierre addressed the baby’s mother directly to encourage her to come forward.

“We understand that you are undoubtedly going through an extremely difficult time. This act, as upsetting as it may be, shows us that you wanted your child to be safe. And he is, I can assure you,” she said.

She urged the mother to seek medical care immediately if she did not receive any after giving birth.

The SPAL cannot confirm if the baby was delivered in or outside a hospital centre.

Under the Criminal Code, a person found guilty of child abandonment can face a sentence of five years in prison.

But, Pierre said that’s not the SPAL’s priority.

“Right now we’re not talking about charges at all,” she said.

Police are asking anyone in the parents’ close circle who has information on the pregnancy and birth to come forward.

“We repeat: if you feel the need for support, to talk, or even to be in contact with your child, it is possible. We are here to guide you to the proper resources in a safe and human environment. We are not here to judge but rather to ensure you are safe and well-supported in the circumstances,” Pierre said in her plea to the mother.