Rialto, CA Police Department Saves Choking 3-Year-Old Boy

A mother pulled her vehicle over. Her three-year-old son had stopped breathing. She dialed 911. Officers arrived to face a critical life-saving moment.

Emergency Call on Foothill Boulevard

On August 5, 2026, at 12:10 p.m., officers responded to a choking emergency. Cecilia Rosas was driving along the 300 block of East Foothill Boulevard. She noticed her son Matthias choking on his vomit.

The three-year-old boy is autistic and nonverbal. Rosas pulled over and immediately called 911 for help. "To me, he was dead," Rosas said. "It was awful."

Rapid Officer Response and Airway Clearance

Officer Joshua Colorado from the Rialto Police Department arrived first. "I saw his hand dangling before I even got out of the car," he said. "My heart dropped," Officer Colorado added.

Officer Colorado retrieved a LifeVac airway clearance device. He performed compressions with the tool to remove the obstruction. After several attempts, the device successfully cleared the toddler's airway.

Officer Juan Villasenor arrived and assisted by administering back blows. Their combined efforts ensured no additional blockage remained. The child regained consciousness and officers placed him in the recovery position.

Paramedics from the Rialto Fire Department soon arrived to assist. They transported Matthias to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The child made a full recovery.

Gratitude and Community Impact

Days later, Rosas reunited with the officers to express her gratitude. "I thank God that I'm here talking to you and I'm holding my son today," Rosas said when they reunited with the officers. "I've been waiting for this moment and really give them a hug and thank them for what they did for my son that day."

Body camera footage recorded during the rescue was later posted online. The incident highlights how training and quick action save lives in critical situations. Fast medical response and community care made all the difference that day in California.

Supporting First Responders and Their Well-Being

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a LifeVac device and how does it assist in choking rescues?

A LifeVac device is a non-invasive portable airway clearance tool that uses suction to remove obstructions from a choking person's airway. First responders place the mask over the mouth and nose, then pull the handle to create negative pressure that safely extracts the blockage.

2. Why are patrol cars increasingly equipped with airway clearance tools?

Patrol officers are often the first emergency personnel to arrive at critical roadside medical calls where time is essential. Equipping patrol vehicles with specialized suction devices allows officers to intervene immediately and restore breathing before secondary medical units reach the physical scene.

3. What initial steps should a driver take if a passenger chokes while traveling?

The driver should safely pull the vehicle off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and immediately contact emergency dispatch. While waiting for responders, the driver should evaluate the passenger, clear visible debris from the mouth, and administer age-appropriate choking first aid maneuvers.

4. Why is placing a patient in the recovery position important after clearing an airway?

Placing an individual in the recovery position keeps the airway clear and prevents fluid or vomit from draining back into the lungs. This lateral position uses gravity to protect breathing while allowing responders to monitor the person safely until advanced medical teams arrive.

Sources:

• Story and Video Source: Rialto Police Department

• Additional Reporting: 'He was dead': Dramatic body camera video shows police saving choking toddler