Franklin Township police rescue boy who had a large zip tie stuck around his neck
By: In the heart of Franklin Township, a routine day for law enforcement took a sudden turn when a frantic call came through the dispatch. What followed was a sequence of events captured on body-worn camera footage that would showcase both the challenges and the heroism of first responders.
The call was one of panic, a mother struggling to convey the severity of her son's injury. She repeated the alarming phrase, "zipper on his neck," leaving dispatchers puzzled and first responders on edge as they rushed to the scene.
Deputy Robert Ball was nearby and wasted no time in reaching the apartment complex where the distress call originated. Upon arrival, he was met with a scene of chaos, with a family desperately seeking help.
Amid the confusion, it became apparent that it wasn't a zipper but a large zip tie that was causing the child's distress. Cinched tightly around his throat, it was a life-threatening situation that demanded immediate action.
"I can't breathe," screamed the boy.
With backup units arriving, Deputy Ball knew there was no time to wait for paramedics. Franklin County Sheriff Office Chief Deputy Jim Gilbert, overseeing the patrol division, watched the body cam footage and says it's obvious Deputy Ball recognized the urgency of the situation. With the child's airway potentially obstructed, every second counted.
In a tense moment captured on camera, Deputy Ball made the split-second decision to intervene. With a pair of safety scissors in hand, he carefully cut through the zip tie, releasing the child from its grasp. As the 6-year-old boy gasped for air, a wave of relief washed over the responders.
But it wasn't just a rescue; it was a moment of connection. Chief Gilbert recalled the child's gratitude, a simple "thank you" that resonated deeply with the deputies. At that moment, a bond was forged that transcended the chaos of the situation.
As the dust settled, questions lingered about how the zip tie ended up around the child's neck. Chief Gilbert offered a simple explanation - boys will be boys. There was no malicious intent, just a reminder that life can take unexpected turns.