HASTINGS, Neb. – The Adams County Sheriff's Department is investigating after a 15-month old child was found alive on the side of a road just southwest of Hastings city limits.

According to an ACSO news release, deputies were called on Sat. Oct. 4 just after 8:00 a.m. to S Marian Rd in rural Adams County after a passerby noticed a child sitting in a ditch.

Deputies arrived on scene and called for medical help from Hastings Fire and Rescue.

Paramedics responded and transported the 15-month-old to Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings for further medical evaluation and care.

At this time, any injuries to the child are unknown.

The sheriff's office has launched a criminal investigation to determine how the child wound up in the ditch, and identify the responsible parties.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area of South Marian Rd in the early morning hours of October 4, is urged to contact the Adams County Sheriff's office at 402-461-7181 or by email at weichman@adamscountyne.gov.

The Nebraska State Patrol, Hastings Police Department and the Department of Health and Human Services are assisting with the investigation.