Homeless woman gives birth on sidewalk and drags baby by umbilical cord before trying to run off, Hawaii police say

Hawaii police said a homeless woman gave birth on the street and dragged her baby by the umbilical cord before she tried to run away from the scene.

The incident unfolded in the city of Hilo on Tuesday at about 5 p.m. near Mamo Street and Keawe Street.

Police Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins told Island News that officers responded to the report that the woman was dragging the baby on the street.

Fire department personnel arrived and immediately cut the umbilical cord to the baby. The woman tried to flee the scene after the umbilical cord was cut, but police were able to find her soon afterward.

First responders said the baby was breathing at the time but not moving, and they transported her to Hilo Medical Center.

Medical personnel determined that the baby girl was in good condition and was not injured. She was placed into the custody of Child Protective Services.

According to Amon-Wilkins, the woman was initially charged with abandonment of a child but was released after receiving medical treatment.

He said that she was well-known in the area to locals and to police.

A local security guard told Island News that she had lived in the area for more than a decade and at one time, had been hit by a car because she often walks into the middle of traffic. He added that the woman likely didn't even know she was pregnant.

"Thankfully, you know, the baby was not really injured in this incident, which was initially reported that she was. So, you know, the baby girl is in good condition from what we've been told by the doctors," Amon-Wilkins added.

Police are asking to hear from any bystanders who might have witnessed the incident.

Here's a local news report about the incident:

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