Bodycam: Fla. Police Officer Rescues Autistic Girl Dangerously Close to Ocean
What to know
- Clearwater police found a missing 8-year-old autistic girl near a beachfront construction site, where she was dangerously close to crashing waves.
- An officer safely rescued the girl as she had become dangerously close to the water.
- Officials praised the officer’s quick response, especially given that the girl didn't know how to swim.
Florida police rescued a missing 8-year-old autistic girl who was wandering near a construction site by the beach earlier this month.
Clearwater police responded to a report that a non-verbal child with autism had gone missing, the department stated in a social media post that included body camera footage of the rescue. A search ensued, and officers found the girl sitting on rocks behind a hotel at a beachfront work site, precariously close to the crashing ocean waves.
"The situation was especially urgent, as the young girl did not know how to swim. … Thankfully, he was able to safely bring her out of the dangerous area and reunite her with her family," the department stated.
The girl was treated by medics at the scene following the rescue, according to WFTV-TV. Officials praised the officer who found her.
"We’re grateful for his quick response and dedication to keeping our community safe," the department stated.
