18-year-old arrested after kidnapping of infant from clinic in Lüdenscheid

Quick lead through video footage

After the discovery, police cordoned off the parking garage to secure evidence. Video footage showing the woman at the location where the infant was found led officers to her trail. In addition, officers received numerous tips pointing to the woman from Lüdenscheid. Investigators had searched intensively for her.

Police said the child had been given a medical examination and was doing well. The baby is now back with its parents unharmed. According to police, the woman's motive remained unclear. She is being investigated on suspicion of child abduction and kidnapping.

Investigation and charge of child abduction

The suspect was provisionally arrested on Sunday. The public prosecutor's office must decide during the course of the day whether and on what grounds to apply for an arrest warrant against the woman. According to the public prosecutor's office, the woman will be presented to the magistrate tomorrow.

The woman's apartment, which is said to have already come to police attention significantly in the past, was searched. The alleged baby kidnapper from Lüdenscheid remains in police custody, a police spokesperson confirmed on request.

The responsible investigating authority is the Hagen public prosecutor's office. At the time the crime was committed, the infant — just under a week old — was lying in a patient room at the clinic when the woman took him out, according to reports.

The case raises questions about security standards in maternity clinics. Tips from the public enabled the arrest after a short search. Police thanked the public for the "zahlreichen Hinweise aus der Bevölkerung".