A teenager gave birth in a car and surrendered her one-hour born baby after she claimed she didn't know she was pregnant.
Angela Owens was working at medical supply store Hieline Mobility Solutions in Texas, US, when at around 2pm on Wednesday, a teenage boy came into the store.
The shop worker presumed he was just another customer and asked if he needed any assistance.
But moments later, she was stunned to find out his baby and girlfriend were in need of urgent help - with Angela assuming the child was choking.
She headed out the shop and opened the passenger door and saw a young girl sitting there with a newborn baby.
Angela told KTWX: “I open the passenger door to see a young girl sitting there with a newborn baby in her lap, wrapped in a towel."
She was told by the mum and dad the baby was just an hour old - with the girl claiming she didn't even know she was pregnant.
Angela quickly phoned emergency services as they helped tie the umbilical cord with a string.
Tabatha Peri, who was also working at the store at the same time, grabbed a wheelchair to get the mum out of the car but she refused and stayed inside.
She revealed: “There was no thought. It was like right place, right time. It was being a mother. We had to do what we had to do. There’s no other option at that point."
The employees, who have three children between them, admitted the teenagers appeared frightened and in shock at the birth of the child.
They later explained to the couple how to surrender the baby at a Safe Haven location - but Angela was worried the teenagers wouldn't make it in time, so she decided to accept the child herself.
Angela said: "The child did some crying. She was moving. She was trying to suckle on her fist to try to get food."
Authorities confirmed the baby was taken to a nearby hospital and is in a good condition - they also praised the employees for their help.
Jennifer Chapman, a spokesperson for Plano Police, their actions were "absolutely a saving grace at this point."
Cops eventually found the couple and made sure the mum received treatment following the birth.
However, questions remain on whether they followed Texas' Safe Haven Law and whether any charged will be filed.
Texas’ Safe Haven Law allows any baby under 60 days old to be taken to any hospital or fire station in the state.
The child must be handed to someone, not left outside. In the last past five years, 175 children have been surrendered state-wide thanks to the program.
Tabatha said she was "proud of them for asking for help as it doesn't happen all the time."
Angela hopes the pair don't get into trouble, adding:" I hope they don’t end up in trouble because I feel like they did the right thing. That’s what’s killing me right now."
Police confirmed an investigation is still ongoing.
