INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer recently rescued a child from a hot vehicle, highlighting the dangers of leaving children and pets in cars during the summer heat.

The incident happened on a typical summer day in Indianapolis when Master Patrol Officer Micki Sturrock responded to a call about a child locked in a car. The child’s mother had accidentally locked the child inside, and a nearby employee called 911 due to a language barrier.

Sturrock said, “It’s not just the folks who do something negligently. It’s often someone who is very caring and has a very appropriate family and parents who do this accidentally.”

Upon arrival, Sturrock quickly assessed the situation and, without hesitation, smashed the car window to rescue the child. The quick action was necessary as temperatures inside a parked car can become deadly in just a few minutes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1,000 children have died of heatstroke because they were left or became trapped in hot cars over the past 25 years.

Sturrock said, “It only takes about 10 to 12 minutes on a summer day, especially when you are parked in direct sunlight, for the temperatures inside that car to get dangerous.”

The IMPD urged parents and caregivers always to check the back seat every time they leave their vehicle and advised bystanders to call 911 if they see a child or pet locked inside a hot vehicle.

Sturrock said, “Being trapped in a hot car in the summer heat is a life or death situation.”

IMPD also warned that parking in the shade and cracking windows do not significantly reduce the risk in hot weather. They advised always bringing children with you when leaving the car.

Related coverage from WISHTV.com

• Hot car deaths are on the rise in U.S. and preventable
• Hot car dangers: Consumer Reports warns parents of hot car deaths

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