MARION COUNTY — The Marion County Jail had an unusual visitor arrive early Tuesday, when a 21-year-old female inmate unexpectedly gave birth in her cell.

According to Sheriff Rich Stevenson, around 10:37 p.m., the inmate called corrections officers on the intercom in her cell to report she was bleeding.

Authorities were aware the inmate was pregnant and contacted the doctor about the situation. They were advised to provide the inmate with a sanitary pad until morning.

Then around 12:50 a.m. she again contacted corrections officers on the intercom to say she was having her baby.

Corrections officer Garrett Neilson responded to the inmate’s cell to find what he believed was the baby crowning and he immediately put sheets down for the inmate and the impending arrival of the baby and then contacted EMTs.

Neilson and Corrections Sgt. Dale Eddings then placed a mattress on the floor of the doorway between the inmate’s isolation cell and booking. The first ambulance arrived a short time later and delivered a three-pound baby boy.

Mother and baby were transported to Salem Township Hospital in separate ambulances and the baby, who wasn’t due until December, was ultimately airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital for care.

The mother remains under guard at the hospital in Salem. Stephen says she was being held for alleged aggravated battery to a police officer and on an outstanding warrant.

Stephenson says he believes this was the first baby born in the Marion County Jail, but the mother was certainly not the first pregnant inmate. He notes the jail keeps a nurse and doctor on call 24/7 to respond to inmate healthcare needs.