A toddler in Jacksonville was swiftly rescued from a locked car using a special tool, highlighting the dangers of rising car temperatures.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A toddler was rescued Monday after being locked inside a vehicle with the keys still inside, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Officers Shawn Crocker and Phil Massicotte were called to River City Marketplace after the mother of a toddler called JSO to assist with the rescue. Officers arrived within five minutes.
Body camera video shows the toddler had unbuckled himself from his car seat, which JSO said made it more dangerous to shatter the car window to open the door.
Officers used a special tool to pump the door open enough to insert a rod and unlock it from the inside.
As the car door opened, the child began to fall but was caught by officers. He was returned to his mother in less than 10 minutes, according to the sheriff’s office.
As temperatures heat up, mistakes when it comes to children in cars can have increasingly deadly consequences.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Ariya’s Act in 2024, designating April as Hot Car Death Prevention Month after Baker County 10-month-old Ariya Paige lost her life after being left inside a hot car for five hours. The month is meant to “spread education and awareness” on the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
“The heat is already here, and cars can warm up fast, even with the windows cracked. We get that accidents happen, but when they do, it’s important you call us for help as soon as possible,” JSO said in a statement.