(WKYT) – A southern Kentucky family is thanking first responders after a child was rescued from a hot car Monday.
The incident happened at a local greenhouse on a sunny and warm day. Terry Munsey, the child’s great-grandfather, said the toddler jumped in the car and closed the door, which automatically locked with the keys inside.
“And so we were probably not panicked but overly excited,” said Munsey who also owns the Heaven’s Greenhouse.
The family called 911, and the Monticello police chief and two Wayne County deputies responded. The officers had the tools necessary to rescue the child within minutes.
“When it comes to children we try to get there and get the job done,” said Chief Josh Asberry of the Monticello Police.
Deputy Valis Smedley of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said he watched through the window trying to guide to either the unlock button or the door handle to get the door open.
Munsey said he was 10 minutes behind schedule on his bus run when the incident happened, and school officials, like the mother, were getting frantic. He was able to get there just in time.
“I told her not to worry and we prayed and she appreciated those prayers,” Munsey said.
Local officials said they have had experiences with other cars that lock themselves and encourage people to keep a spare key handy.
Local EMS were called to look over the toddler but he was checked out OK.