Bronx residents experienced a heart‑warming reunion on Friday when NYPD officers Julio Arias and Karolin Abreu Garcia visited the home of 10‑month‑old Jheyler Montero. The officers had saved the infant on Sept. 26 after his mother, 21‑year‑old Janibel Montano, discovered him pale and unresponsive in his crib near East 168th Street and the Grand Concourse.
Quick action saved a life
Body‑camera footage shows Officer Arias delivering back blows to the baby after Montano called for help. “Once I flipped him over, I realized he was pale, he couldn’t breathe, his eyes were closed. It was a horrible situation,” Montano recalled. Neighbors rushed outside and flagged down the two officers, who arrived within minutes.
“After I was giving the back slaps, I felt something fall off, and that’s when he started crying and sort of breathing again,” Arias said. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter, confirming the infant was stable.
Parents express gratitude and a safety reminder
Montano thanked the officers, saying, “They helped my baby. Thank God.” She also offered a warning to other parents: “Keep an eye on the area where your kids are; there’s nothing small that they could ingest.” The mother hopes the experience will foster a lasting relationship with the officers, noting, “My son can get along with them. That’ll be great.”
Community response
The rescue highlights the importance of community vigilance and rapid emergency response. Neighbors who noticed the infant’s distress played a crucial role by alerting police, demonstrating how local cooperation can protect the most vulnerable.
Officer Abreu Garcia reflected on the emotional impact, stating, “We’re grateful that we were able to help the baby and I feel like I was breathing again when I saw the baby crying. It was a reminder that we’re here to serve and protect our families.”
What parents can do
Montano’s advice underscores a simple but vital safety practice: keep small objects out of reach and regularly check sleeping areas for potential hazards. Parents are encouraged to learn infant CPR and first‑aid techniques, which can make the difference between tragedy and recovery.
Local health agencies continue to offer free infant‑safety workshops throughout the Bronx, teaching families how to respond to choking incidents and other emergencies. Community centers and schools often host these sessions in partnership with the NYPD’s public‑safety outreach program.
Looking ahead
The officers plan to stay connected with the Montero family, reinforcing the bond between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve. Their presence reassures residents that help is just a call away, whether it’s a medical emergency or a safety concern.
As the Bronx community celebrates this successful rescue, the story serves as a reminder that faith, vigilance, and swift action can safeguard our children and strengthen the ties that hold neighborhoods together.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
