A dead baby was found in a trash can close to a University of Tampa dorm Sunday night, Tampa Police reported Monday.

Video shows TPD forensic teams near McKay Hall where first-year students are housed. It was there that officers found a newborn female wrapped in a towel around 7 p.m.

The infant's body was transported to a medical examiner for autopsy so cause of death can be determined, and the baby's developmental stage made known, TPD said.

Police have been able to identify the child's mother who has been transported to a nearby hospital. Her name has not been released at this time.

The private university has not commented on the situation, but students did receive a campus alert text message warning of the investigation being conducted and that they should avoid the area. Campus authorities said there is no threat to the public, according to Fox 13 News, Tampa.

Tampa police have asked those with tips on the incident call the department's crime stop number at 1-800-873-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online.

USA TODAY has reached out to the University of Tampa for more information but they have not yet responded.

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Tampa Police Department remind community of Florida Safe Haven Law

"The loss of a child is always a tragedy," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "As our department actively investigates this incident, we want all expectant mothers to know there are resources available."

Florida's Safe Haven law "allows parents to anonymously surrender an unharmed newborn infant seven days old or younger to any Fire Station, EMS station, or hospital staffed by full-time emergency medical technicians, paramedics, or firefighters," TPD said.

"There will be no questions asked, and no charges will be filed for surrendering a newborn under the Safe Haven Law unless the infant has signs of abuse or neglect."

Other resources include:

  • The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: Dial 211
  • Florida Department of Health, Maternal & Child Health Section: 850-245-4047
  • The National Safe Haven Alliance Hotline: 888-510-BABY (2229)

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