A heart-stopping moment was caught on video in Indiana after a young boy with autism wandered away from home and ended up in a neighbor’s backyard swimming pool.
Police say the boy had slipped out quietly, unnoticed, and made his way to the property just a few doors down. By the time officers arrived, the child was already in the water, struggling to stay afloat.
Bodycam footage shows the responding officer sprinting into the backyard, immediately jumping into the pool without hesitation. Within seconds, the officer lifted the boy out of the water and safely onto dry ground.
Neighbors who witnessed the terrifying scene praised the officer’s quick thinking and bravery, calling it nothing short of life-saving.
Paramedics were called to the scene to check the boy, who, remarkably, was unharmed thanks to the swift rescue. Officials confirmed the child was safely reunited with his family shortly after.
Police later reminded parents and caregivers that children with autism are at a much higher risk of wandering, often drawn to water, making these situations especially dangerous.
This story is a powerful reminder of how seconds can mean the difference between life and death—and how one officer’s courage saved a child’s life that day.