911 Call Leads to Arrest in Durham Abandoned Baby Case

Durham police have arrested a woman in connection with a baby found at a car wash early Saturday morning.

The two-week-old baby girl was found in a car wash bay beside the BP station on Chapel Hill Boulevard.

Police say Iesah Batteaste, 23, abandoned the baby and then called 911. Caller:"I'm not for sure, but I think it was maybe a baby bundled up in a blanket or something." Dispatcher:"You saw it at?" Caller:"I think... (mumbles) I was parked at the car wash."

Police received the tip about 4 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived at the scene, the baby was still warm to the touch.

Earlier reports indicated the call was from a phone at the Town & Country convenience store on University Drive -- just down from the car wash where the baby was found.

Batteaste is said to live near where the call was made. She is charged with child abuse.

The baby is in good condition at Duke Medical Center.

Anyone with information about this case should call Crimestoppers at919-683-1200. andMichelle Singer