COLORADO SPRINGS – On July 20, Officer Thane Gilmore was following up on an anonymous tip to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the birth of a baby in a homeless camp near Garden of the Gods Rd. and Nevada Ave.
CSPD said he responded to the area with DHS and checked for homeless camps along the trails in a heavily wooded area. Gilmore was able to locate the tent described in the original tip and was able to see a baby through the open vent.
According to CSPD, the baby was taken into custody by DHS and the mother was arrested for misdemeanor child abuse.
The inside of the tent was riddled with used syringe needles and other drug paraphernalia, which presented an immediate hazard to the baby, according to CSPD. The baby was 12 days old and weighed 5 pounds.
The mother reported that she delivered the baby in a nearby garage and had not sought any medical treatment for herself of the baby. CSPD said that without Officer Gilmore’s intervention, it’s very likely the baby would not have survived much longer given the conditions she was found in.
Officer Gilmore was given the Commander’s Commendation “for his diligent efforts on this case that exemplify the Chief’s visions of excellence, humility, and responsiveness.
