Kansas man stopped while trying to kidnap newborn from hospital, police say

A 31-year-old Parsons man remained jailed Thursday after trying to kidnap a newborn child from Labette Health, according to the Parsons Police Department.

A family member stopped the man from leaving the birthing unit with the one-day old. Hospital security then held the man until police arrived.

“He had the child in his arms but was stopped by family and gave (the baby) up,” Parsons police Lt. Jason Ludwig said, adding the man is “known to the family” but police weren’t releasing the exact relationship.

Police were called about a kidnapping in progress at 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday.

The man is being held at Labette County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping and child endangerment.

He has a “reported history of drug use,” the police department said in a news release.

“We are incredibly fortunate that this incident was resolved peacefully and without harm to the child,” Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said in the release. “The quick response from Labette Health security staff played a crucial role in ensuring the infant’s safety. These situations can be unpredictable and volatile, but thanks to the diligence of those involved, this matter was contained before it could escalate further.”

Parsons is a city of more than 9,000 people around 128 miles east of Wichita.

This story was originally published February 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM.