Video captures Phoenix police rescuing children from hot car near Sky Harbor
Phoenix police officers recently rescued four children from a harrowing situation after finding them trapped inside a sweltering hot car near the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The dramatic incident was captured on body-cam footage released by the police department, showcasing the heroic efforts of law enforcement to save the distressed children.
The video, which surfaced on Friday, depicts officers responding to a business parking lot located near 24th Street and Madison Street in Phoenix, just south of Washington Street. Inside the car, with its windows tightly shut and the engine turned off, the officers discovered three children occupying the backseat, one of whom was strapped into a child safety seat. Another child was found seated in the front of the vehicle. Concerned for their well-being, the officers swiftly opened the car doors to access the children.
Upon reaching the children, the officers inquired about their parents’ whereabouts, to which the children responded that they were unaware. Demonstrating care and compassion, the officers provided water to the youngsters and transferred them to a police SUV that was equipped with running air conditioning to cool them down. While the outside temperature in Phoenix that day registered 106 degrees, the inside of the car was an alarming 125 degrees, causing each child’s body temperature to spike to nearly 100 degrees.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, authorities promptly took the four children to the hospital to ensure that they were in good health. Fortunately, all the children are expected to make a full recovery following their traumatic ordeal. Shockingly, records indicate that the children had been confined inside the scorching vehicle for close to an hour before being rescued.
Following the rescue operation, the father of the children, identified as 38-year-old Ascencio Largo, was located inside a nearby business establishment and subsequently taken into police custody. Largo was arrested and booked into jail on charges of child abuse, with his bail amount set at $5,000. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with leaving children unattended in hot vehicles, especially during the sweltering summer months.
The swift response of the Phoenix police officers, captured in the body-cam video, underscores the critical importance of vigilance and immediate action when safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this distressing event, the steadfast dedication of law enforcement to protect and serve the public remains unwavering, ensuring that such incidents are met with swift intervention and accountability.