NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A 24-year-old Hamden woman has been arrested after an 8-month-old girl was found abandoned alive in a dumpster outside of a Newhallville apartment building on Monday afternoon.

According to New Haven police, the baby was transported to Yale New Haven Children’s hospital. According to a News 8 crew on the scene, the child is suffering from severe burns on both hands but is in stable condition.

Police also recovered a pink infant car seat from the dumpster.

Around 2 p.m., officers responded to the Presidential Gardens apartment complex at 573 Dixwell Ave. after a maintenance worker found a baby inside of a dumpster. That apartment complex also includes 200 Shelton Ave. and 160 Hazel St.

Police said the child’s mother has been located and was interviewed by police.

Andiana Velez was arrested in the case and for assaulting the child’s 21-year-old mother earlier in the day.

She was charged with risk of injury to a child, assault second degree and reckless endangerment first degree.

Police believe she was the child’s babysitter.

Police said detectives have determined the Hamden woman put the baby in the dumpster, but they have not yet determined who is responsible for the child’s injuries.

Police and the state Department of Children and Families (DCF) are continuing to investigate the cause of the child’s injuries. 

During a court arraignment Tuesday morning, the judge raised Velez’s bond to $500,000.

Neighbors and community leaders told News 8 they are shocked and horrified by the discovery.

A woman who did not want to appear on camera said, “Total disbelief that someone could put a baby in a dumpster with burnt hands and just leave them. I’m glad the person that found him or her was there and did the right thing. I’m just so devastated right now.”

Co-Ward Chair for Newhallville, Ward 21, Raymond Jackson said, “People don’t have to do anything like this. There’s better places to leave a baby than in a dumpster, you know? If people need help then all they have to do is reach out. We are here and I’m just shook. What if I would’ve found that baby? I wouldn’t know what to think. That’s the lowest you can ever go.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department at (203) 946-6304.