A recent incident in Fort Wayne, Indiana, unfolded when a police officer rescued a 3-year-old boy with autism who had wandered away from his home and ended up in a neighbor’s pool. The dramatic rescue was captured on the officer’s body camera and has since been shared with the public, showcasing the quick response and life-saving actions of Officer Evan Myers.
The frightening event took place last week, when Aziel, a 3-year-old with autism, managed to slip out of his home unnoticed. According to his father, Alex Cavillo, the young boy had found his way into the neighbor’s pool through a small opening in the fence. “I look out the kitchen doorway and see that the garage door was open, so I immediately ran out and started looking for him and couldn’t find him,” Cavillo told WPTA-TV. His immediate panic was understandable—Aziel had wandered off, and with the garage door left open, it was clear that he was out of sight.
As Cavillo desperately searched for his son, Officer Evan Myers was already in the area. The officer heard faint crying coming from the neighbor’s backyard and immediately rushed over to investigate. The sounds led him to the pool, where he found little Aziel floating on his back, struggling. Without hesitation, Myers entered the water and pulled the child to safety.
The body camera footage from the rescue, which has been widely shared, captures the officer’s swift action. As the officer lifts the boy from the pool, his relief is evident. This moment of heroism not only saved Aziel’s life but also left his family in deep gratitude.
The family expressed immense appreciation for Officer Myers, especially in light of the harrowing situation. “I want to personally thank him deeply for being able to find my son,” said the boy’s mother, Savannah Ybarra, visibly emotional. Her words reflect the overwhelming relief and gratitude felt by the family after such a close call.
In the aftermath, the family has vowed to increase safety measures around their home to prevent any future incidents. They plan to install a more secure fence to keep their son from wandering again. This precaution is especially crucial, as children with autism can sometimes wander off due to their heightened sense of curiosity and a tendency to fixate on certain areas.
The community has rallied around the family, applauding the quick thinking of Officer Myers. His actions serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, especially in situations involving young children with autism.
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