A woman is being sought by authorities after evading arrest in her car and then fleeing police on foot, leaving an 18-month-old infant behind.
Santa Rosa police were dispatched to a call of a suspicious vehicle parked at Madrus Rose St. and Winterhaven Ave. after 1 a.m. on Friday, according to a department-issued press release.
The call stated that an unknown person was parked in a white Minivan, playing loud music. When police arrived, a woman was sitting in the driver seat, apparently sleeping.
The woman, 34-year-old Santa Rosa resident Melissa Doyle, refused to cooperate with the officer on the scene and roll down her window.
Doyle appeared intoxicated and the officer noted an was in the backseat of the car. Doyle started the Minivan and sped out of the area, and additional officers had to be called to chase after.
The vehicle was located after about 10 minutes, parked several blocks away. Doyle was gone, likely fleeing on foot, abandoning the baby, still strapped into its car seat.
The child was taken into police custody, and was "very cold, crying, and had no warm clothing on," according to the press release.
After evaluation on the scene by medical personel, the baby was taken to a nearby hospital and then released into the care of an immediate family member.
Melissa Doyle is still at large and wanted for felony child endangerment and evading arrest.
The police are asking anyone with information to please call (707) 528-5222.
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