Baby left in basket on lawn of East Sparta Fire Station

EAST SPARTA, Ohio - Authorities in East Sparta need help identifying a baby left on the fire department's lawn Monday morning in a basket.

While backing the ambulance up after coming back from a call for help, EMS workers spotted the basket on the grass of the water tower, just south of the fire station.

EMS officials think the child was left sitting there for at least an hour in the 44 degree weather. Officials said there were signs that the baby was not delivered at a hospital. Authorities took the baby to Aultman Hospital where she's in good condition.

Police are asking for help identifying the baby or the person who left her in the basket on the grass because whoever left her did not follow Ohio's Safe Haven law, they said.

The law allows a parent to leave a newborn infant, up to 30 days old, with a medical worker at a hospital, with a medical worker at a fire department or with a peace officer at a law enforcement agency, without any legal consequences.

Ohio's Safe Haven law doesn't allow babies to be dropped off outside.

Charges are possible.

Mike Vaccaro, legal counsel for Children and Family Services of Stark County, said an emergency shelter hearing will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., where children services seeks temporary custody of the baby.

After several hearings, children services will get permanent custody and will be able to release the child into an adoption program.

If you have information about the baby or who dropped her off, you can call (330) 866-9434.