Body-cam video released of baby found abandoned in woods

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Officials have released body camera footage of the moment a newborn baby was found inside a plastic grocery bag in Forsyth County.

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said it released the footage from the first deputy on the scene the night of Thursday, June 6 in hopes that the video will help them get critical information on the infant's identity.

"This child was not left to be found," said Sheriff Ron Freeman.  "It's nothing short of divine intervention. 

Officials found the girl in a plastic bag in woods near Daves Creek Road in southeastern Forsyth County after they received a call from neighbors who heard the child.

MORE: New photos of baby found abandoned in plastic bag, search for mother continues

In the video, the resident tells the deputy that they heard the cries from their home nearby.

"My kids said, 'That's a baby,' and I said 'That's an animal," the man said.

The deputy, identified as Terry Roper, then opens the bag to find the infant, now temporarily named India, crying and moving around. 

"I'm so sorry," Deputy Roper tells the baby as he removes her from the bag. 

At points in the video Roper can be seen wrapping the hours-old infant in fabric to keep her warm. 

"I know Terry.  I know his family.  I know his wife.  I know his kids.  He's a great deputy and he's probably a better man," said Sheriff Freeman. "What you saw was a daddy come out and that's what I expect of him."

Investigators said after she was found, deputies immediately began giving the child first aid, and emergency personnel rushed her to a hospital. The sheriff says India is "thriving" and is in the custody of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services.

Officials are still searching for the child's mother. Last week, the sheriff's office released several new photos of India in hopes someone will come forward.

MORE: Baby found abandoned in plastic bag 'in good health'

Sheriff Freeman said after the mother is located, investigators will determine whether she will face criminal charges. He pointed out that under Georgia law, a mother who does not want a newborn can take the child to a designated area such as a police department or fire station and hand the baby over to law enforcement officers within 30 days of birth.  

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office's tip line at 770-888-7308. Your call can be anonymous.