News

Actions

Cop helps boy with autism find lost teddy bear after 911 call

Posted at 9:27 PM, Mar 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-18 23:27:00-04

WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A  boy with autism called 911 for help when his teddy bear went missing and then hung up.

"My teddy bear fell down again. Don’t worry I’ll rescue you again. Goodbye again. See you again," 12-year-old Ryan Paul can be heard saying on the 911 call.

The department called back. Robert Paul realized what his son had done and explained there wasn't an emergency. But as part of Woodbridge Township Police Dept. policy, officers respond to the locations of hang-up calls.

Officer Khari Manzini arrived just a few minutes later and it turned out the rookie cop was well-equipped to handle the situation. He'd received specialized training from POAC Autism Services

"Whenever we can use that training to make sure that not only do we keep ourselves safe, but those folks that we’re helping out safe, you know it makes a great difference."

In the end, Ryan’s teddy bear was ultimately found right on the side of his bed and he's learned a missing teddy bear isn't a real emergency.

"We went over that since," his dad said.