Cobb mother arrested after leaving 6-month-old at Jiffy Lube

Laraven Davis, 35, was arrested on Saturday morning on charges of child abandonment and reckless conduct. Police say the Cobb County mother left her 6-month-old daughter with employees at a Jiffy Lube on Floyd Road.

The incident occurred during the opening of the shop. Assistant Manager Jarayya Mayes was starting her shift when Davis approached the service bay pushing a stroller. Mayes had seen Davis walking nearby but had not spoken to her before. The woman asked two employees, Mayes and a coworker named Elijah, to watch the infant. She told them she had something to do and would return.

Davis left the stroller with the group. She stated that important paperwork was inside a bag. She also told the workers they could keep the child if she did not come back. Mayes said these statements raised immediate concerns. She called 911 as soon as Davis walked away.

Mayes checked on the baby while speaking with dispatchers. She found the infant wearing a wet diaper. The baby also had rashes on her neck and body. About 15 minutes after Davis first left, she returned to the shop carrying a knife. She demanded the child back. Mayes said Davis told the group to hurry and that something had happened.

Dispatchers instructed the staff not to let Davis leave with the baby while officers arrived. Police arrested Davis at the scene. Paramedics transported the infant to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Officers booked Davis on the two charges.

Mayes said she reacted out of instinct. She described the moment as heartbreaking. She said she acted like a mother looking out for another child. She did not want the baby to be left in that condition. Mayes noted that she cried during the exchange.

Police have not released information on what caused Davis to leave the child. They have also not confirmed where the child will go after the hospital clears her. The arrest records and Mayes's interview provided the details for this report.