'Baby' found dead near Bayside park turns out to be realistic doll

A runner spotted what she thought was a baby shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday in a grassy area outside Crocheron Park. Photo via the Parks Department.

The Associated Press

Police say what appeared to be a dead infant found outside a park in Bayside turned out to be a realistic-looking doll.

A runner spotted what she thought was a baby shortly before 8 a.m. Tuesday in a grassy area outside Crocheron Park, located between 33rd Avenue and 35th Avenue, and called 911.

Police initially reported that a 3-month-old baby was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives descended on the park in droves to look for evidence. A crime scene tent was set up. But police say a closer look revealed the baby was in fact a doll or prop.

They say the doll was wearing a diaper and had bruising suggestive of having once been a living infant. The episode is under investigation.