Officials: Couple carrying fake babies tried to access Merced OBGYN unit

MERCED, Calif. (KABC) -- Central Valley hospitals are on alert after a couple used fake babies to try and get into the baby unit at the Mercy Medical Center in Merced.

The hospital shared pictures of the two suspects, as authorities try to track them down. Hospital officials say the pair made two attempts to get into their mother and baby unit.

The couple played with their life-like dolls as if they were real and tried to get into the Mercy Medical Center baby unit -- a part of the hospital that's typically reserved for new moms, babies and their guests; that's according to a suspicious person flyer drafted by Mercy Medical sent to hospitals across the Valley. Merced security staff says the couple was so keen on their fake children they even got them to pose for pictures.

"It's really scary," said Anisa De Los Santos. "I just had my son like a year ago and that was my main concern was to always wanting to make sure who had my baby."

The couple first tried getting into the OB unit on Saturday. When they failed, they went back to the ER on Monday and tried again. They had a diaper bag, carryall and the wife appeared to be wearing surgical scrubs. Hospital staff says the couple never made it through the OB doors and warned them if they came back again, they'd be arrested for trespassing.

The Merced Police Department is investigating this case and says it's extremely suspicious, but at this time the couple hasn't done anything illegal.