Abandoned baby found in barn in Livingston, Texas

LIVINGSTON, Texas — The McClains live close enough to Livingston for convenience, but far enough to avoid the most nefarious acts.

“It’s just peaceful and quiet,” Kathryn McClain said.

Everything was fine, so far Saturday morning when their security camera recorded a mostly naked man checking their car door before stealing a neighbor’s truck, they said. They were awakened by the sound of him leaving the stage.

“We called the neighbors and they reported that it had been stolen,” John McClain said.

The excitement they thought was over was actually just beginning.

Their dog, Archie, was spotted on a home security camera barking at something inside their shed. When John went to investigate, he made a startling discovery.

“He said, ‘Call 911, there’s a baby,'” Kathryn said.

Catherine’s first thought was that it might be a baby snake or some other animal.

“He said, ‘You better call 911,'” Kathryn said. “There’s a baby here.”

A girl was lying on the ground in the barn.

“When I opened it (the barn door), the baby was laying right next to the motorcycle,” John said.

Kathryn said the dispatcher told her she could take the baby, which she did, before driving her home. The photo shows a child wrapped in a towel waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

The child was checked out at home before being taken to a Houston hospital.

“I’m a mom,” Catherine said. – I was in a frenzy and simply shocked. It still got me a little bit.’

Authorities said a stolen truck was later found with the child’s father behind the wheel. Records show he was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges including abandoning or endangering a child. Officials said his car was found abandoned near the railroad tracks that run just behind McClain’s property.

“I just hope he gets out and takes care of his kids and gets himself back to normal,” John said.

Catherine said she was ready to add a girl to their family.

“I just want her to be happy and live a good life, you know?” – said Catherine. “If they gave her to me, I’ll take her right away. And she will never have any more worries.”

McClain’s security camera captured the suspect holding the child before entering the barn. He appeared to spend hours with her inside before leaving and before the truck was stolen. The McClain family does not want to share the video until law enforcement receives a copy.

The condition of the child is unknown, but it is assumed that she will be fine.

KHOU 11 News attempted to contact family members of the child’s father, but was unsuccessful.