Dramatic new video reveals moments Columbus police find 1-year-old inside stolen car
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — New body camera video reveals the emotional moments a 1-year-old was found safe inside a stolen car Monday in the Linden area.
Two Columbus police officers fresh on the beat are being praised for helping to save the child's life.
A running car was stolen in East Columbus after 6 p.m. Monday night. 1-year-old Maverick was inside.
But, quick actions by officers mean the child is okay and back with family.
Columbus Police were able to share portions of the body camera with ABC6/FOX28 Tuesday, worn by the officer that found little Maverick.
"Hi buddy, it is good to see you. We have all been looking for you," officers can be heard saying in the body camera video.
Columbus police officer Aaron Napoli's body camera video reveals the moments of relief as the child is found in the back of the stolen car.
"Hi, little dude. What's up little buddy?" officers can be heard saying.
On Monday, a frantic call came in: a running car was stolen from East Columbus, and a child was inside.
Police mobilized and started combing the larger area.
"Typically what we deal with is nothing to do with, you know, children of that age or children in general. So, me being a father myself that hit home pretty close," said officer C.J. Barnett.
Barnett, a former Buckeye football star turned new CPD officer, started reviewing tape at the market where the Impala was stolen.
"They had pretty good camera. So, we were able to at least see the individual that took it, what direction it went, just try to find any little thing that would help us have an idea of where the car could be," he said.
Meanwhile, Napoli rushed to help.
"My reaction was the same as everyone else's, as soon as you are available get over there to try and help," he said.
Using technology, they were able to narrow down the location of the car.
"We started driving around the area of Hudson and 71 to McGuffey in that area," said Napoli.
That's when Officer Napoli made the discovery, right around 8 p.m. at McGuffey Road and Republic Avenue.
"Slammed on the brakes, got out of the car, ran up to make sure the child was still in there," he said.
Medics checked out the child who is okay, with family rushing around him.
"At that moment, I was just relieved that the child was unharmed and that he was still there," said Napoli. "One of our greatest fears was that maybe the child had been put outside the car somewhere or we wouldn't be able to find him in time."
The officer's want to send a reminder to keep kids close, and don't leave cars running.
"That's why I came to work today, this is why I came to work today...Hey, officer of the month right there," said officers in the body camera footage.
Neither Napoli or Barnett have ever responded to a call like this before.
At last check, the person responsible is still on the loose.
If you know anything, contact Columbus police. Police have been circulating a photo of a person of interest taken at the East Columbus market.
ABC6/FOX28 will let you know if any charges come out of this situation.
