Newborn baby taken from hospital in Monroe found safe

UPDATE:

Authorities say the baby has been found safe, KNOE reports. According to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, no charges have been filed.

St. Francis Medical Center released the following statement Friday morning:

“On Thursday, October 22, a situation occurred that involved the abduction of a newborn. The infant has been found, unharmed, and has been returned to the hospital. In response to this incident, St. Francis Medical Center took immediate action and is fully cooperating with law enforcement.

“Appropriate security and safety measures were in place at the time of the incident.

“We believe that the safety and security of each patient is integral to the mission of our hospital.  We are appreciative of the swift actions of our law enforcement and team members and will continue to pray for all involved in this family incident.”

Original story: 

The Louisiana State Police have issued a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory for a newborn baby taken from St. Francis Medical Center, 309 Jackson St., Monroe, Louisiana.

Travis Hargrove, Jr. was born Oct. 22, 2020, at 7:04 a.m., with a medical condition that will require treatment. He is a dark-skinned male baby with no hair, 19-3/4 inches long, and weighs 8 pounds and 8 ounces.

The possible father, 35-year-old Travis Hargrove, left the hospital with the newborn concealed in a black backpack just after 11:20 p.m. Thursday. He was last seen walking south on Jackson Street, away from the hospital.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the baby or father should immediately contact the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 318-329-1200 or Sgt. Michelle King with the Louisiana State Police at HQ Communications 225-925-6636.