An 8-year-old boy with autism was safely rescued Monday after being found clinging to a branch in Freeman Lake, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Body camera footage shows the moment Gwinnett officers rescued the boy.
Police said officers responded on March 24 to a report of a missing child who had run out of his home. The boy is nonverbal, increasing the urgency as officers and family members began searching the area.
Authorities said children with autism are often drawn to water, raising immediate concern due to a nearby lake. Officers quickly spread out, while community members also joined the search.
Officer J. Serrano positioned his patrol vehicle on a bridge along Steve Reynolds Boulevard to monitor the water below. A short time later, the boy was heard crying and was found holding onto a branch in the water.
Officer Serrano and a community member then entered the water and pulled him to safety.
The boy was reunited with his family at the scene and evaluated by Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services before being taken to a local hospital due to concerns of hypothermia. Officials said he did not suffer any serious injuries.
Police credited the quick response from officers and the help from the community for the outcome.
Gwinnett County Police also pointed to resources available for families of individuals with autism, including Logan’s List, which provides first responders with critical information during emergencies.
