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Woman under arrest gives birth unexpectedly at Skagit County Jail

Published  December 23, 2014 4:57pm PST
Associated Press

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) -- Officials say a burglary suspect gave birth unexpectedly at the Skagit County Jail.

County corrections chief Charlie Wend told the Skagit Valley Herald (http://is.gd/qV9hpk ) that the woman went into labor after she was booked Monday night and gave birth at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The birth was unexpected, even to the mother, Wend said. The baby appeared to be healthy.

Wend said jail and medical staff responded immediately to make sure mother and child were safe. Wend said he hadn't heard of a birth taking place in the jail before.

Both the mom and baby released from custody Tuesday morning.

“It was a little Christmas gift a couple days early,” Wend told the Skagit Valley Herald. “It’s a joyful moment in spite of an environment where there isn’t a lot.”