Mother Arrested After Baby Abandoned by Riverside Dumpster in Rain
More than a year after authorities discovered a newborn baby abandoned beside a rain-soaked apartment complex dumpster, the Riverside Police Department arrested 26-year-old Riverside resident Astrid Nohemi Lopez Ramos on September 17 on suspicion of child endangerment, according to police statements.
The 2025 Jackson Street Discovery
The investigation spans back to May 4, 2025. On that date, the city of Riverside public safety communications center received urgent reports of an infant crying from inside a dumpster enclosure located in the 3800 block of Jackson Street, the Riverside Police Department reported.
When officers arrived at the scene, a resident had just managed to locate the child. Investigators found the infant lying right next to the dumpster, breathing and crying, with the umbilical cord still attached. The newborn had been left completely uncovered while rain fell directly on the baby.
Hospitalization and Months-Long Detective Work
Paramedics immediately transported the infant to a local hospital. Authorities stated at the time that they believed the child had been delivered just hours prior to being abandoned. The current medical condition of the child was not immediately clear following the arrest.
Detectives assigned to the Riverside Police Department’s sexual assault and child abuse unit spearheaded the months-long investigation. That investigative work ultimately led them to identify Lopez Ramos as the mother.
Booking at Robert Presley Detention Center
Following her arrest, she was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center with bail established at $35,000.
Law enforcement officials continue to appeal to the public for additional details regarding the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Jessica Iniguez at (951) 353-7121 or Detective Jarid Zuetel at (951) 826-8714.
California’s Safe Surrender Alternatives
State laws provide a safe alternative for parents facing overwhelming circumstances. In California, parents or legal guardians can legally surrender a newborn baby within 72 hours of birth—completely no questions asked—to protect the child’s well-being.
Throughout Riverside County, newborns can be safely surrendered at most local hospitals and designated fire stations.