UMVA has learned that a dramatic rescue of a baby trapped inside a vehicle stranded in rising floodwaters was captured on body camera footage on Saturday in Beeville, Texas.
The incident unfolded as heavy storms dumped rain across the region, rapidly turning roadways into deadly traps, with floodwaters sweeping the car toward a creek. The vehicle became stuck in a flooded creek crossing, with water levels rising up to the top of its wheels.
According to information obtained by UMVA, police responded after the vehicle drove into the flooded crossing and began getting pushed by the rushing water. A fire chief assisting at the scene attempted to flag down the driver, but they didn't see the crew in time.
As crews assessed the situation, the driver screamed to a nearby officer that a baby was inside the vehicle. The responding officer then ran through the floodwaters, opened the door, and pulled out the carriage containing the infant.
The officer carried the baby back to safety, where another responder quickly used a jacket to shield the child from the continuing rain. Miraculously, nobody was hurt, and the driver was also safely rescued from the vehicle.
Beeville police used the video as a stark warning about the dangers of floodwaters, stressing that what may look passable one minute can quickly become deadly the next. The department urged drivers to slow down during heavy rain and avoid flooded areas, including creek crossings and other low-lying roadways.
The police emphasized that it's crucial to heed barricades and not drive around them, as this puts lives at risk and is a criminal offense. Drivers are warned that no errand, shortcut, or destination is worth risking their life or their family's safety.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Beeville Police Department is calling this incident a sobering reminder of the power of floodwaters, and the importance of prioritizing safety above all else.
