A newborn baby is alive today thanks to the quick actions of a bystander who followed their instincts after hearing suspicious cries from a dumpster in a Nevada neighborhood.

On July 5, a Sun Valley resident discovered a baby in a dumpster, prompting a swift 911 response and leading to the arrest of a local woman on charges of attempted murder and child abuse, as People reports.

Authorities responded to a disturbing emergency call shortly after 1 p.m. on the day in question. A resident reported hearing what sounded like a baby's cries coming from a dumpster behind a business parking lot. Acting immediately, the individual reportedly checked the dumpster and, upon realizing what was inside, climbed in to rescue the child.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) later confirmed that the citizen found a newborn inside a garbage bag and managed to retrieve the infant safely before emergency officials arrived at the scene.

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District personnel responded to the location and transported the baby to a nearby hospital. The infant, whose gender was not disclosed, was reported to be in good health and expected to fully recover.

Woman arrested after surveillance video surfaces

By Monday, July 7, WCSO had identified and arrested 28-year-old Taylour Dickinson in connection with the case. According to detectives, Dickinson, a mother of two, allegedly gave birth in a nearby bathroom during the early morning hours of July 5. Detective Claire Hoops-Adams testified in court that the baby was likely born between 2 and 3 a.m.

Surveillance footage from the surrounding area reportedly captured a woman placing a garbage bag into the dumpster around 3:33 a.m. that same day. This visual evidence, combined with forensic investigation, led to Dickinson’s arrest two days later on charges of attempted murder and child abuse, neglect or endangerment.

During her court appearance, Dickinson's bail was set at $1 million, cash only. In their testimony, detectives described her demeanor and stated she was in a state of shock at the time of the incident.

Detectives explain mother’s motives, past incident

Detective Hoops-Adams testified that Dickinson admitted she was unsure whether the baby was breathing at birth. She stated she wrapped the newborn in a towel, then placed the child into a garbage bag before depositing it into the dumpster. Authorities said she expressed panic and financial instability as key reasons for her actions, indicating her family had been struggling to make ends meet.

The detective also referenced a prior incident in 2023, in which Dickinson allegedly experienced a miscarriage and placed the fetus in a trash can. Though no charges were filed in that case, the similarities raised concerns among investigators about a potential pattern of behavior.

Dickinson reportedly told investigators that she did not want any more children and had hoped someone would find the baby -- words that underscore the desperation and isolation that may have influenced her decision that morning.

Officials urge awareness of Safe Haven Law

Sheriff Darin Balaam expressed deep gratitude for the community member who intervened, calling their actions both swift and heroic. “This child is alive today thanks to a citizen who didn't hesitate to help,” Balaam said. “We’re grateful for their courage and quick thinking.”

He also reminded the public that Nevada has a Safe Haven Law, which allows a parent to legally surrender an unharmed infant within the first 30 days after birth without facing prosecution. The law requires the baby to be handed directly to someone working at a hospital, fire station, or police department, or left in a safe place where the child will clearly be found unharmed.

WCSO Detective Cole Brokaw added that the Safe Haven Law has been used at least 11 times in Nevada between the years 2000 and 2019, emphasizing that the law is a compassionate option designed to prevent tragedies like this one.

Lessons to learn

Tragic cases like this offer critical opportunities to reflect and learn. Here are some important lessons to keep in mind:

1. Know your state’s Safe Haven laws: Every state in the U.S. has some version of a Safe Haven Law. Understanding how and where to surrender a newborn legally can save lives and prevent legal consequences for the parent involved.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings: The person who found the baby acted not just quickly, but attentively. We should all remember that unusual sounds or sights might indicate someone is in danger and could need help.
3. Mental health and support networks matter: Crisis moments often come from isolation and extreme stress. Community support systems and mental health resources must be accessible and encouraged so individuals don’t feel trapped in desperate situations.

Still, it’s crucial to recognize that despite every precaution, crime can happen to anyone. We must approach these events with compassion and avoid blaming victims or those affected by traumatic circumstances.

Why this story matters

This heartbreaking case serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of desperation and the life-saving impact that one person can make. Communities must be educated on safe, legal options available to parents in crisis.

The story also highlights the importance of building stronger safety nets to prevent such tragedies from recurring.