Police arrest woman accused of giving baby to stranger

Police have arrested a woman who allegedly handed over her baby boy to a stranger on the streets of North Philadelphia this weekend then walked away.

Sharon Rivera, 24, was seen on Lawrence Street near Indiana Avenue about 10:30 p.m. Friday, possibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Special Victims Unit Capt. John Darby said. Rivera had her 2-month-old son, who was not properly clothed, with her at the time, Darby said.

When a woman approached Rivera to ask if she wanted to come inside her house and get herself together, Rivera allegedly handed the stranger her baby and walked away.

The stranger cared for the child overnight and called authorities about 8:25 a.m. Saturday to report the incident, Darby said.

The baby was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children to be examined before being turned over to the custodial care of the Department of Human Services, according to police.

Rivera, whose last known address was on Arizona Street near 10th, was located with the assistance of family members, Darby said. She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person.