ORLANDO, Fla. – City work crews flushed sewer lines and sent cameras down on Thursday as part of their search for a missing newborn whose mother is currently under arrest on aggravated child neglect charges.
Crews used a large camera with tracks instead of wheels to navigate more than 600 feet of pipeline underneath the apartment complex where an umbilical cord and afterbirth were found on Monday.
Susan Richardson, 30, told investigators she gave birth to the baby Monday morning, then "discarded" the child.
Police said on Wednesday they towed away dumpsters and wrapped them in crime scene tape to take a closer look at them to make sure investigators didn't miss anything.
Those dumpsters were back in place Thursday morning with crime scene tape still hanging from them.
Search and rescue crews conducted an above ground search for the infant in the area near Coast Line Drive and Silver Star Road, which is next to the apartment complex.
"We're just expecting the best but the baby is still alive," said Sgt. Wanda Ford with the Orlando Police Department.
The child's mother made her first appearance from the Orange County Jail on Wednesday, where she appeared drowsy.
The judge asked her if she was awake.
Police are asking the public for help.
They're asking for anyone who may have seen Richardson on Monday between 10 a.m. and noon.
If you have information that can help, call Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS. You can remain anonymous.
