On Monday, September 7, Saint Paul Police Department responded to an emergency call on the Greater East Side after a passerby reported a child in distress inside a pond. The child, a five‑year‑old boy diagnosed with autism, had wandered away from his family and was unable to climb out of the murky water.
Rapid response and drone assistance
Within minutes, a police‑launched drone arrived over the scene, locating the child and relaying his exact position to officers on the ground. The aerial footage gave responders a clear view of the boy’s location, allowing them to plan a swift rescue.
Officer’s courageous entry
One officer, whose name was not released for safety reasons, ran toward the pond, stripped off his shoes, and entered the cold, cloudy water. Video released by the department shows the officer reaching the child, securing him, and pulling him safely onto the shore. The officer’s quick action prevented a potential tragedy.
Family’s gratitude and community impact
The boy’s family confirmed his autism diagnosis and expressed deep gratitude to the officer and the department. “We are so thankful for the brave officer who saved our son,” the family said. They emphasized the importance of community vigilance, noting that a good‑Samaritan’s call for help was the catalyst for the rescue.
Police department’s statement
Saint Paul Police Chief Tim Gannon praised the officer’s dedication, stating, “Our officers are trained to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, and today they demonstrated exactly that. We are proud of their professionalism and compassion.” The department also highlighted the role of technology, noting that the drone’s real‑time imagery was instrumental in locating the child quickly.
Safety reminders for families
The incident serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to keep a close eye on children, especially those with special needs, when near bodies of water. Local organizations that support families of children with autism recommend establishing clear safety plans and using visual cues to help children understand boundaries.
Community response
Residents of the Greater East Side praised the police department’s swift action on social media, calling the officer a hero and urging others to look out for one another. The story has reinforced the community’s trust in local law‑enforcement and highlighted the importance of neighborly vigilance.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led the boy to wander away, but no foul play is suspected. The police department plans to review its response protocols to ensure that similar emergencies can be handled even more efficiently in the future.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
