WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Parsons police arrested a man on Tuesday after they said he tried to kidnap a baby from Labette Health.

The police department said around 6:03 p.m. hospital security called 911 to report an attempted kidnapping in progress.

Officers arrived and learned that hospital security had stopped the man from taking a newborn baby who had not been discharged by medical staff. The suspect, later identified as Eric Matthews, was immediately detained and officers started investigating the incident.

Officers reviewed video surveillance footage and interviewed multiple witnesses, confirming that Matthews tried to leave the OB ward with a one-day-old infant without authorization. Family members said they confronted Matthews before he could exit the ward, stopping him from taking the baby. Hospital security then arrived and held Matthews at the scene until police arrived.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks commended hospital staff and law enforcement for handling the situation swiftly.

“We are incredibly fortunate that this incident was resolved peacefully and without harm to the child. The quick response from Labette Health security staff played a crucial role in ensuring the infant’s safety,” he said. “These situations can be unpredictable and volatile, but thanks to the diligence of those involved, this matter was contained before it could escalate further. We now allow the Labette County judicial system to proceed with the case and ensure justice is served.”

Police said the family knows Matthews who has a history of drug use.

Parsons police transported to Matthews to the Labette County jail where he was booked for kidnapping and child endangerment. Official charges have been submitted to the Labette County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.