Crime & Safety

Newark Police Veteran Delivers Baby Boy at McDonald's

Officer James Kneipp delivers premature baby in bathroom

Talk about special delivery.

A veteran Newark police officer delivered a two-month premature baby boy at McDonald's on 101 Clinton Ave. Wednesday afternoon, according Detective Hubert Henderson, spokesman for the Newark Police Department.

Officer James Kneipp, a 24-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, responded to the bathroom of the fast food restaurant after being flagged down by a passerby where he found an unidentified woman in labor. Kneipp then calmly coached an unidentified woman in the delivery of her baby boy.

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Kneipp, who is not an EMT, said he recalled his days in the academy to help deliver the baby.

"I found the lady on the floor of the bathroom and did what I was taught to do in the police academy. I saw the baby's head and simply maneuvered the child's body to a position where the mother was able to easily deliver," said Kneipp.

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Acting Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio lauded Kneipp for his quick thinking.

"To know that they are out there not just protecting the public but also assisting them in a plethora of other ways is exhilarating," said DeMaio. "I am proud of the fine work that this and every other officer in the department continue to do every day."

The baby boy and his mother were transported to Beth Israel Hospital where they were reported to be doing well.

— Lia Eustachewich


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