Baby in purse of mother driving in Virgin Islands, police say

A US Virgin Islands woman is accused of driving with her newborn baby zipped up in her purse.

The woman, who was not identified, was pulled over driving a pickup during a routine traffic stop Tuesday, The Associated Press reported.

While asking for the St. Croix woman's license, the officer reported hearing a baby crying but did not see a baby seat in the vehicle. The woman then unzipped a purse sitting on the seat next to her and revealed a tiny newborn, according to the AP.

Police said the woman told them that the baby girl was born at home a week ago and had no prenatal care. She was apparently driving the infant to a doctor, the AP reported.

Authorities rushed the newborn to a hospital. The mother may face criminal charges, according to the AP.

"I thought I saw everything in my years of police work, but this is unbelievable," Deputy Police Chief Christopher Howell told the St. Croix Source.