COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WTVM /Gray News) – A woman has been arrested just two days after a baby was found alive in a dumpster at a motel in Columbus, Georgia.

According to officials, 22-year-old Zinnia Hernandez was arrested on Thursday after admitting to giving birth and leaving her baby - alive - in a dumpster.

The infant was discovered on September 2, when someone heard the newborn crying around 6:30 p.m. at a Budgetel Inn.

The baby was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and is now in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services to ensure the child’s safety and determine next steps for care.

Hernandez is charged with the following:

reckless conduct

abandonment of a dependent child

criminal attempt to commit a felony

cruelty to children

Authorities say a par

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