Oakland police officer saves newborn baby's life

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OAKLAND (BCN) An Oakland police officer saved a newborn baby's life on Tuesday afternoon by performing CPR on the infant, police said today.

Officer Gregory Palomo had just started his patrol shift at 3:22 p.m. Tuesday when he received a report that a woman was screaming and crying for medical attention in the area of Sixth Street near Laney College, according to police.

Palomo located the woman and discovered she had just given birth to a newborn, police said.

Palomo immediately noticed that the newborn wasn't breathing so he initiated lifesaving medical aid by conducting CPR and the infant responded by starting to cry and breathe, according to police.

Oakland police said Palomo's actions saved the newborn's life.

Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said in a statement, "I am proud of the work my officers do every day.

This is just one example of the extraordinary work that is done."

Police said the mother and newborn were transported to a hospital, where they are both reported to be doing well.

Oakland police say the outpouring of support has been tremendous. Their officers are gathering items like clothing and diapers to donate. The police dispatcher who took the call says she wants to donate a stroller. The City of Oakland has stepped up to set up housing for the mom and baby when they leave the hospital. 

KTVU reporter Alyana Gomez contributed to this report.