01 March 2024 , 16:25
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Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has shared footage of the heartwarming moment a missing five-year-old was found in a Florida swamp.
Cops used a thermal-imaging camera to locate the missing girl, who had wandered off into the swampy woodland in Tampa, Florida. Utilising the high-tech camera, Hillsborough police arrived less than an hour after she was reported missing.
The five-year-old, who is autistic, was found uninjured half a mile away from her Flordia home after going missing. "Hey, I think I got her in the woods," a deputy in the helicopter can be heard telling his colleagues on the ground.
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Police were able to find the missing youngster less than an hour after she was reported missing."She might be able to hear her name if you call her. She might be about 80ft in front of you." Heartwarming footage from a body camera showed the exact moment deputies rescued the child.
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The youngster, who was wading through swampy water, smiled and raised her arms up when she saw the officers. "Let's get you out of the water. I'll get you to everyone," the officer told her.
"Their quick action saved the day, turning a potential tragedy into a hopeful reunion," the sheriff said. "Their dedication shows what service and protection are all about here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office."
Viewers expressed their relief as they reacted to the footage. One YouTube user said: “Thank God she is OK!”
The local sheriff hailed officers' quick action in locating the missing five-year-old.While a second added: “My son has autism and is about the same age and has the same mannerisms she has. Thank the lord she was found safe. Especially in the Florida swamps.”
And a third said: Frickin' heck... That must have been terrifying for all involved. That last look of relief from the cop said it all. That could have all ended so, so badly. Hope he gets a few days off to get his head back on straight.”