MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man has now been arrested after police say he placed a newborn baby in a dumpster behind a Whitehaven business earlier this week.

On Monday, officers say they responded to a suspicious call in the 3100 block of Teakrock Lane around 9 a.m. where a female child had just given birth.

According to police, the female gave birth while she was on her way to the hospital. The man with her, later identified as James Boothe, is accused of taking the baby and placing the baby in a dumpster behind a Shell gas station at 1312 East Shelby Drive.

After searching the area, officers say they found the baby dead.

The next day, police found Boothe at a Whitehaven apartment complex in the 5400 block of Hudgins Road where he works as a maintenance man. He was then taken into custody.

Multiple people who recognized Boothe say they were shocked to hear about the situation and that he was very polite and respectful towards them and their neighbors.

James Boothe, 45, was charged with Abuse of a Corpse. He was due in court on Thursday morning.

Boothe’s bail screening form shows it was a 16-year-old girl who gave birth to Boothe’s child and claims she had allegedly been in a relationship with Boothe for 3 years. 

“Just a lot of police, I didn’t know what was going on,” said Meshay Jones, who lives in the area.

“Real sad, these kids need to be protected and shielded,” said Jones. “Everybody needs to pray, I pray for mine every day.”

According to reports, Boothe has been charged on a $250,000 bond, and he may have more charges because of an alleged relationship with a minor.