In Lauderhill, Florida, a quick-thinking good Samaritan made a critical 911 call, alerting authorities about a young girl seen running towards a lake in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The caller, who had noticed a small child alone near South Falls Circle Drive, reached out to emergency services in a state of urgency. “I was driving; it’s a little kid, like maybe 3 years old, running in the street. He’s just running from me; I’m following him so nothing happens to him,” explained the caller during the 911 conversation. The individual continued, “I was driving, and I said, ‘Man, I don’t know if I’m tripping, but I either see a ghost or a little kid.’”
Responding swiftly, Lauderhill Police officers arrived at the location around 1 a.m. The caller directed them towards the lake, stating, “OK, he’s running over toward the lake, and I don’t see him no more.” Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered the 3-year-old girl up to her waist in the cold water.
Without hesitation, Sergeant Joseph Nistor entered the muddy waters to rescue the child. Although he became stuck in the mud momentarily, he managed to hand the child to his partner. “So we got her,” one officer confirmed, as captured in body camera footage. The footage also depicted the moment another officer aided Sgt. Nistor out of the mud, saying, “Give me your hand, Sarge. One, two, I’m going to throw you, all right? Three!”
Once on dry ground, the officers checked on the child’s well-being and engaged in brief conversation, even asking her for her name. Shortly thereafter, the little girl’s mother arrived and informed the officers that her daughter had wandered off accidentally.
Concerned for the child’s safety, police advised the parents to take her to the hospital for precautionary measures. The situation, though alarming, ended without severe consequences thanks to the timely action of both the bystander and the police.
Lauderhill Police Chief Constance Stanley highlighted the event as an important reminder for parents to ensure their children understand water safety and remain under supervision near bodies of water. This incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and rapid response in preventing potential tragedies.
Source: Wsvn
