A Florida deputy used shatter balls to rescue a 1-year-old girl who was accidentally locked inside a car without the engine running.
A Flagler County Sheriff's Office deputy swiftly intervened on May 20th, 2024, to save a young life after receiving a call about a child trapped in a locked car outside a Palm Coast Walmart. Upon arriving at the scene, the deputy observed a frantic couple outside a Nissan Altima.
The father explained how he had momentarily placed the toddler in the car, intending to return shortly. However, upon realizing that the door had locked and the keys were inside, panic set in as the couple witnessed their child's distress through the closed windows.
Deputy Christian Harrison recognized the dire situation and wasted no time in initiating a rescue operation. Despite the mother's initial reluctance, he calmly assured her that breaking the window was crucial to ensure the child's well-being.
With the shattered passenger window granting access to the vehicle, Harrison swiftly retrieved the toddler and handed her over to fire department paramedics for evaluation. Thankfully, the child was found to be in stable condition, much to the relief of the family and the responding deputies.
The incident prompted a stern reminder from Sheriff Rick Staly about the dangers of leaving children unattended in parked vehicles, even for short periods. He emphasized the speed at which heatstroke can develop, regardless of the perceived temperature outside.
Harrison's decisive actions earned him praise for his quick thinking and demonstrated the importance of swift intervention in such emergencies.
While the primary focus of the rescue was the child's safety, the incident also resulted in a criminal uniform traffic citation for the father for attaching an unassigned tag/registration decal to the vehicle. This citation was not related to the child's predicament.
The occurrence serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution and vigilance when it comes to ensuring the safety of children. Deputies and first responders stand ready to assist in such situations, but proactive measures taken by parents and caregivers can prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
In cases where a child is trapped in a locked vehicle, the public is advised to call 911 immediately and stay with the child until help arrives. Deputies are equipped with shatter balls, which they use to break windows safely and quickly to rescue children in distress.
The incident also highlights the importance of community engagement and education in preventing such incidents. Law enforcement agencies and community organizations regularly conduct safety programs and workshops to raise awareness about the risks associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles.
Through ongoing efforts and vigilance, we can help ensure that all children are safe and thrive in our communities.
