Police Deliver Baby On The Side Of New Jersey Highway

SPARTA, NJ — Sparta Township police officers helped a mother deliver a baby girl on the side of Route 15 South on Monday evening.

On Jan. 15, Police Officer Christopher Botta was called to provide medical assistance for a passenger in labor.

In less than a minute after receiving the call, Botta was able to locate a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Route 15 and swiftly make contact with the occupants, Tyler and Stephanie.

Botta noticed the baby's head crowning and checked to make sure the umbilical cord wasn't twisted around the baby's neck.

"After confirming everything appeared normal, seconds later, Stephanie delivered the baby girl into Officer Botta’s hands," Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said.

Baby Millie was born within minutes of Sparta Township Police arriving at the scene.

Additional patrols were dispatched to ensure Millie and Stephanie's safety until the Sparta First Aid Squad arrived, according to McCarrick.

"Due to the cold and snowy weather conditions, Millie and Stephanie were wrapped in blankets to ensure everyone stayed warm," police said.

Soon after, the Sparta First Aid Squad came and took the mom and baby to the hospital.

On Jan. 17, Botta contacted Tyler and Stephanie to follow up on everyone’s health and wellness.

According to the parents, their baby girl, Millie, is doing well.

"We wanted to congratulate Millie’s parents, Tyler and Stephanie, on the birth of their baby girl and hope that they will come visit us at the station in the future," McCarrick said. "As the Chief, I am very proud of my officers for taking this call to action with using their training and teamwork to help bring a beautiful little girl, Millie, into this world."