Tampa Police Rescue Child After Crash: Seatbelt Saves Lives

A routine police response turned into a powerful moment of rescue when Tampa Police officers pulled a 7-year-old child and a driver from a wrecked car, one of two stacked precariously after a crash on East Fowler Avenue.

The body camera footage, released by the Tampa Police Department (TPD), offers a gripping, up-close view of the May 19th incident. One vehicle ended up awkwardly balanced atop the other. Officers approached the scene with caution, aware that a single shift could send the wreckage toppling.

“Can You Take Out My Kid First?”

Bodycam video shows an officer climbing atop the SUV to reach the occupants. When he opened the dented passenger door, the driver inside immediately said, “Can you take out my kid first?”

“Hey little guy!” the officer called out. “Can you climb out here? Come on out buddy.”

The child climbed into the officer’s arms and was carried to safety, where another officer gently crouched down beside him and reassured, “You’re a champ, bro.” Moments later, the officer joked warmly, “You’re Batman right now, man,” as the child reunited with the driver—presumably a parent—on the sidewalk

A Reminder: Seat Belts Save Lives

Tampa Police later confirmed that everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt and that only minor injuries were sustained. The department highlighted the role seatbelt use played in this positive outcome.

In a social media post, TPD wrote:

“Real heroes don’t wear capes, they buckle up! Be your own hero. Buckle up, every ride, every time.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) backs this message:

“In 2017 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives. If everyone had buckled up, an additional 2,549 lives could have been saved that year.”

Officer Action That Saves Lives

In this case, preparedness, courage, and training ensured no lives were lost. Officers assessed the danger, accessed the vehicle without tipping it, and ensured the child’s safety above all else.

Their actions not only saved lives but also helped remind the community of the importance of seat belts and emergency readiness.

If You’re In a Crash: What to Do

• Always wear your seat belt, front or back, short trip or long.

• Remain calm after an accident. Help others if you are able, and don’t move injured persons unless there’s immediate danger.

• Call 911 for emergency help.

• Follow directions from first responders and keep children close.

Closing Thoughts

At We Love Police, we spotlight the powerful moments that show law enforcement at its best. The heroic actions of the Tampa Police officers, placing a child’s safety first, navigating a dangerous wreck, and reminding the public of life-saving habits, are exactly why we honor and support our law enforcement community.

To read more about inspiring officers and meaningful community service, explore our Community Involvement section.

Let’s continue celebrating the real heroes who serve with courage, compassion, and care.

References

• Story and Video/Image Source: Tampa police rescue child from vehicle crash | FOX 13 Tampa Bay (by Angelina Fay and FOX 13 News Staff) via information posted by the Tampa Police Department and Storyful.

FAQs

1. How effective are seat belts at saving lives?

Seat belts are one of the most effective safety tools in a vehicle. They significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death by keeping occupants securely in place during a crash. Wearing a seat belt helps prevent ejection from the vehicle and minimizes impact with the interior.

2. How much does wearing a seat belt reduce the risk of serious injury or death?

Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45–50% for drivers and front-seat passengers in cars. In light trucks, that number increases to up to 60%, with similarly large reductions in moderate to critical injuries.

3. Why should children always wear seat belts or be in car seats?

Seat belts and age-appropriate car seats protect children during collisions by distributing force across stronger parts of the body. In crashes, unsecured children are at greater risk of injury or death. Proper restraint use can be life-saving.

4. Is it safe to rely only on airbags instead of seat belts?

No. Airbags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. Without a seat belt, you may be thrown into the airbag or out of the vehicle entirely during a crash.