Man Discusses Finding Baby In Sapulpa Dumpster

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

SAPULPA, OK -- Sapulpa Police continue to search for whoever abandoned a baby in a dumpster this weekend.  The newborn boy was found alive Sunday.

05/24/2009 Related story: Baby Found Alive In Sapulpa Dumpster

If it hadn't have been the day before Memorial Day, Retired Army Sergeant Jim Lakey says he wouldn't have been at the Disabled American Veterans building.  So, he believes it was fate that led him to the newborn.

"There's these two little brown eyes staring up at me.  When I seen those two little brown eyes, I knew he was going to be OK," said DAV Commander Jim Lakey.

Police say Jim Lakey saved a very young life on Sunday.  While taking out the trash, a noise caught his attention as he was about to throw the final bag in the dumpster.

"I heard a sound, sounded like a little pup. Newborn puppy making its whimpering noise," said DAV Commander Jim Lakey.

An animal lover, several dogs and horses call Lakey's Creek County property home.  Assuming it was puppies, he took the canvas bag out of the dumpster and discovered the newborn.

"The first thing I seen was a little arm come out.  I guess. I don't know if my eyes got big. I imagine they did. I said oh my God," said DAV Commander Jim Lakey.

Lakey took the baby inside the DAV and called 911.

He says after the child whimpered inside the dumpster, he never made another sound.  The DAV commander, who has four children of his own, says there's no excuse for leaving a newborn.      

But he's happy he was able to play a role in preventing this abandonment from becoming a tragedy.

"I'm really thankful that I had the privilege of finding him. I know the baby's going to be safe now," said DAV Commander Jim Lakey.

The baby boy is doing well and now in DHS custody.

Sapulpa Police still need help to find his mother.  Anyone with information can call them at 224-3862.