Teen Charged for Leaving Newborn in Dumpster

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — An 18-year-old woman has been charged with abandoning her newborn son in a dumpster north of Seattle in March.

The Daily Herald reports Samantha Houston of Everett last week was charged with abandonment of a dependent person.

Police say Houston told them she gave birth March 25 and then panicked, wrapping the baby in a towel and placing him in a dumpster. Prosecutors say afterward she walked to a convenience store to get something to eat.

The newborn was treated at a hospital and placed in state custody. He was reportedly healthy.

In Washington, mothers can leave their newborns — no questions asked — with a staff member or volunteer at any fire station, rural clinic or hospital emergency room.