Abandoned Infant Discovered During Cable Theft Investigation

Upper Chichester police responded to reports of a cable theft early Monday morning, April 2, 2026, on the 3100 block of Meetinghouse Road. The incident quickly revealed a more disturbing situation: an abandoned infant.

Details of the Cable Theft

According to Lt. Christopher Jones of the Upper Chichester Police Department, the suspects were cutting an inactive Verizon cable. The motivation behind the theft was the valuable copper inside the cables, which is sought after for its precious metals.

Suspects Flee the Scene

As officers arrived, three suspects fled in a Jeep, leaving a sedan behind. Investigators found cut cables in the trunk of the abandoned vehicle and hand saws on the passenger seat. The car was impounded and taken to police headquarters while officers obtained a search warrant.

Discovery of the Baby

While examining the exterior of the vehicle, officers noticed movement under a blanket in the backseat. “Once it was back here, our officers were checking the exterior of the car and noticed that a blanket in the backseat moved slightly,” Lt. Jones stated. Upon removing the blanket, they discovered a sleeping 4-month-old baby boy.

Arrest and Ongoing Search

Thirty-two-year-old Angelina Williams, the child’s mother, was arrested in connection with the cable theft. Police report she did not mention the baby was in the vehicle. “Thank goodness that officer looked in there and saw something moving,” Jones said. “It would’ve been a few hours before we executed a search warrant on it once the judge signed the paperwork.”

Two other suspects remain at large: 49-year-old Joseph Daniels, identified as the baby’s father, and 47-year-old Ray Gibase. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Upper Chichester police.

Community Reaction

Residents and workers in the area expressed concern over the incident, noting a troubling trend. “It’s a shame. I mean, this is not what I thought I grew up in, this is what this country would be. But it is what it is,” said Sherman Robinson of Lindenwold, New Jersey.