SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — South Salt Lake police said Taco Bell employees at 2168 South State Street, and a customer saved a baby boy from a drunk driver.
Officer Gary Keller said on Monday the employees noticed the drive-thru lane was backed up and a man sitting behind the wheel of his 2008 BMW sedan was passed out.
They went outside to check on the situation and smelled alcohol coming from the driver and heard a baby crying in the back seat.
Police said the employees and the customer, who possibly had a nursing background, chose to remove the baby from the car seat and take him inside.
The driver eventually woke up and the employees tried to convince him to come inside. Instead, police said the driver took off without the baby.
The baby’s grandfather, along with police, arrived at the restaurant soon after. The infant was returned to his mother. The grandfather said he received a call from a non-family member saying the baby was kidnapped by Taco Bell employees.
Police found the BMW a few blocks away, but the driver wasn't there. They impounded the vehicle.
Police praised the employees who took the baby boy away from harm’s way.
“I believe they did the right thing,” said Officer Keller. “If I was faced with that I would probably do the same thing.”
Police did not talk with the customer who helped the employees. If anyone knows who she is please call South Salt Lake Police.
