Deputies in Florida shattered a car window to rescue a toddler who had accidentally been locked inside for 10 minutes amid sweltering heat.
The law enforcement officers rushed to a Walmart parking lot in Palm Coast, Florda, after a woman reported that her year-old toddler was trapped inside her vehicle, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office reported.
"Upon arrival, the deputies located a male and female standing outside the vehicle, which was not running. According to the male, he had placed the child in the vehicle, gone around to the other side, and discovered the door was locked and the keys were locked inside the vehicle," authorities said.
Deputy body cam footage captured the dramatic rescue of the child, who appeared to be "sweating" and "in distress."
"I'm gonna smash the window," a deputy told the mom.
"No, no, no," the mother initially responded.
"I have to because she's been stuck in there" he explained.
The deputy used Shatterballs to break through the glass and rescue the crying toddler.
First responders determined the girl was physically okay "despite the exposure to extreme heat" the FCSO said.
"Thanks to the quick response of our deputies, this child was safely rescued, and a tragic incident was avoided," Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement.
"Although this was an accident, I would like to take this time to remind parents of the dangers of leaving a child in a parked car at any time, especially if it is not running. Heatstroke can happen very quickly, even if it does not seem that hot outside. Remember, if it has a heartbeat, do not leave them in your car," he added, apparently also including pets in his warning.
