CLEVELND (WJW) – Police video released to the FOX 8 I-Team reveals officers unravelling the claim that someone left a baby abandoned — simply dumped on a Cleveland street.
And now, two women face charges.
Police body camera video shows how a woman went to a Cleveland police station holding a baby only about three months old.
The woman told police a stranger had left the child abandoned in the 900 block of Wayside.
But, the video also shows the story behind the mystery.
“This is a little boy,” the woman told police.
“You found him on the sidewalk?” an officer asked.
“Actually, I was told by somebody,” she responded. “My daughter was standing in front of my house, our house with her friends.”
“Some random lady walked up with a baby, set it down and walked away? What time was the child dropped off?” the officer asked.
“Like, two hours ago,” the woman said.
Video also shows police questioning another woman, asking, “you were the one that found the baby?”
“Yes, I did,” that person answered.
“You were standing in front of your house, and some girl pulled up?” police asked.
“Some girl pulled up and dropped the baby off and pulled off,” the woman claiming to be a witness said. “Baby was in the street wrapped up in a little blanket and she pulled off.”
The case developed in July, and it led Cleveland police to put out an urgent call for tips about the infant.
Soon, other people came forward and more of the story came to light.
Other body camera video shows an officer greeting a group of people in the lobby of a police station, asking, “you guys here about the baby? What is your relation?”
“That’s my nephew,” a woman said.
“I just seen it on Instagram,” another said.
Now, weeks later, Cleveland police said no one just pulled up and abandoned that baby.
Investigators did follow-up interviews and looked at security video. Now, they’ve filed charges against Tierra Shelton and Jasmine Shelton.
Police said those suspects have been charged with tampering with evidence and making or causing false reports of child endangerment or neglect.
Cleveland EMS took the baby to be examined at the hospital, and the child was found to be in good condition with no signs of abuse or injuries.
Police video shows, almost from the start, some things didn’t seem to match.
“I’m looking outside, like, some lady just dropped her baby off in the street?” the woman claiming to be a witness also said.
“So, you weren’t standing outside,” an officer said.
“No,” the witness admitted.
A court record shows police found at least one suspect had the name and contact information for the mother of the baby. But, officers have not explained how the child ended up in the hands of the woman who showed up at the police station.
Police tell us the child is now back with relatives.
Records show Tierra Shelton was released from jail on bond, and her case has been sent to the Cuyahoga County grand jury.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Jasmine Shelton.
Ed Gallek
Source link