Deputies rescue 9-year-old with autism from a local beach
By: -----
St. Mary's County, MD - Deputies in St. Mary's County worked quickly to locate and rescue a 9-year-old child with autism last week. The sheriff's office shared body camera video on Monday of deputies pulling the boy from the water.
It happened on July 17 in the Hollywood area. Deputies responded to a report of a missing child and quickly coordinated a search. Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police, the St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services, and multiple fire and EMS agencies worked together to find the child.
The boy was located in a nearby body of water. Body camera video shows Deputy Matthew Camp head into the water, swim to the child, and bring him to safely on shore.
The sheriff's office says the boy was evaluated by medical personnel and reunited with his family. He was not hurt and is doing well, according to the sheriff's office.
"This body-worn camera footage captures just a portion of the teamwork, professionalism, and courage displayed by first responders during this incident. We are grateful for the positive outcome and proud of the dedication shown by all who responded," the sheriff's office said in a social media post.
According to the Autism Society of Florida, individuals with autism can often be attracted to bodies of water.