11-month-old baby found abandoned in canal, police say

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - A Kansas man has questions after a baby he helped was rescued from a canal Wednesday.

Christopher Wares said he was concerned after the baby was found.

“How could a baby wind up down in that culvert?” he said.

The 11-month-old girl was spotted Tuesday afternoon by a woman who was driving by the canal, located near Mt. Vernon and Interstate 135. The woman originally believed it was a doll, but immediately called 911 as soon as she recognized it as a living baby.

The child is now in police protective custody as the investigation into how she ended up in the canal continues.

As part of the investigation, police located Vincent James Perez, who they said they believe “may have information pertinent to the investigation.”

Wares said the child’s rescue is a relief for many including himself. He also said the situation has caused him pain.

“Even though that baby’s not really my baby (by family), she was like my granddaughter,” Wares said. “[Perez] kept calling me ‘dad.’”

Wares said Perez used to be his son-in-law and he has known him for nearly 20 years, even though Perez’s relationship with Wares’ daughter ended.

Since Perez has been released from prison earlier this year, Wares said he has been trying to provide some to the family.

“I was hoping that I was going to be his good luck and that, one day, he’d become the man I wanted him to be, where my grandkids are happy (and) proud of their dad,” Wares said.

Even though his relationship with the family was strained, Wares said he continued to offer because of the family’s 11-month-old girl.

“That baby was the perfect baby,” Wares said. “Every time I went over there, she’d look at me and smile.”

Before the girl was found in the canal, Wares said she was left with the girl’s mother following an argument. Wares said the days leading up to the baby’s discovery were spent trying to find Perez and the baby.

“How long do you give someone a chance before you say you can’t help them anymore?” Wares said.

While the girl is in police custody, police are looking for other family who can take care of her while they continue to investigate the situation.

Wares said he is hoping for the best outcome for the girl and her future.

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