UPDATE: Suspect accused of stealing baby turns herself in to police

Arrested: Anquinisha Cummings (courtesy: OPSO)
Arrested: Anquinisha Cummings (courtesy: OPSO)(KNOE)
Published: Apr. 24, 2016 at 10:28 AM CDT
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Update: Monday, April 25, 2016 at 3:30pm:

St. Francis Medical Center Administration issued the following statement in regards to this story:

On Saturday, April 23, a situation occurred that involved the safety of a patient. In response to that incident, St. Francis Medical Center took immediate action and has been cooperating with law enforcement.

Appropriate security measures were in place at the time of the incident. Additionally, the hospital was locked down immediately following the situation. We have increased our 24/7 security presence in the hospital and are reviewing all aspects of this incident and researching additional national safety/security best practices.

St. Francis Medical Center provides ongoing education and training drills to all team members to ensure the safety of all patients.

St. Francis Medical Center Administration and the entire organization are committed to optimizing security for all patients. We are currently undergoing an extensive review of all policies, procedures, education and training, and security technology. This includes enlisting the assistance and expertise of our physicians and clinicians, medical staff leaders, and board leadership.

We at St. Francis Medical Center believe that the security of each patient is integral to the mission of our hospital. Fortunately the end result of this situation is everyone involved is safe, sound and secure.

Update: Monday, April 25, 2016 at 2pm:

Glenwood issued a statement in regards to this story:

“At Glenwood Regional Medical Center, the safety and security of our patients is our highest priority. We have in place specific protocols and technologies to deter infant abduction and we do periodic training drills so that staff is well prepared in the event that an infant abduction code is called.” -- Jeremy Tinnerello, COO at GRMC

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UPDATE: Sunday, April 24th at 3:08pm:

Monroe Police say the suspect, Anquinisha Cummings, has turned herself in to law enforcement.

Police say on Saturday, April 23rd around 10 P.M., investigators with Monroe Police were called to St. Francis Hospital in reference to the kidnapping of an infant child. Police say around 7 P.M., a black female identified as 24-year old Anquinisha Cummings, entered a hospital room occupied by a mom and her three day old infant.

Police say Cummings told the mother a mutual friend sent her there with a baby bag, the two talked for a little while, and when the mother got up to use the bathroom, she returned to find the baby gone. Hospital staff, security, and police were notified, and began investigating.

Monroe Police say a hospital employee recalled dealing with a patient earlier in the day, talking about pregnancy issues. Police would later connect Cummings to that conversation, after finding out she had been treated in the hospital several hours prior to receiving the initial kidnapping call.

Monroe Police say at that point, they began working to locate Cummings. Investigators contacted the suspect's mother at her home. Shortly after, an unknown woman came to the suspect's mother's home and surrendered the baby. Police say the child appeared in good health and unharmed, and afterwards, was reunited with his mom.

Police say video footage from the hospital showed Cummings leaving with the child, which led to a warrant being issued for aggravated kidnapping.

Sunday afternoon, Cummings surrendered to police. She has no bond.

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UPDATE Sunday, April 24th at 11:25 A.M.- St. Francis Medical Center issued this statement, regarding a baby stolen from their hospital:

"There was a safety/security issue that involved a patient on Saturday evening at our downtown campus. The end result is that everyone involved is safe, sound and secure.

Out of respect for the patient and the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide any additional details at this time."

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Original Report:

Monroe Police are searching for a young woman, accused of stealing a baby from St. Francis sometime Saturday.

The baby was recovered a short time after it was reported missing.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 24-year old Anquinisha Cummings. The only description available is that she is a black female. Monroe Police are actively searching and investigating.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.