A routine traffic stop on a South Seattle street early Sunday put officers right in the midst of the miracle of childbirth.
Around 3:45 AM, Officer Anthony Reynolds saw a car running red lights and speeding down Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. When he pulled the car over at MLK and S. Graham Street, the driver jumped out of his car and shouted that his wife was in labor.
Officer Reynolds called for an ambulance, but the couple’s baby was determined to beat medics to the scene. Officers Lorissa Johnson, Nicholas Kartes and Jason Alvord joined Officer Reynolds at the scene, just as the couple’s baby girl was born. After first giving a full-throated cry as she burst into the world, the young girl began struggling to breathe. With the help of the child’s mother, Officer Reynolds cleared the baby’s airway and got her breathing again.
Medics arrived and transported the mother and child to a nearby hospital in stable condition. They’re doing well, according to the family, who took the time to send along a nice note thanking officers for their work. “You have helped deliver a precious gift,” they wrote. “we are so grateful.”
Dad and newborn daughter share a quiet moment.
Update: Here’s the letter the family sent to the department:
On August 16th at 3:34 am my wife and I were pulled over by Officer Anthony Reynolds. I had been speeding because my wife was in labor. Afraid the baby wouldn’t wait, I jumped out of the car and approached the police vehicle to alert Officer Reynolds of the situation. He instantly was willing to help us. He made sure my wife was okay and then called for an ambulance. Shortly after that my daughter was born in our car. Officer Reynolds was able to remove the body fluid out of my daughter’s mouth to start her breathing. I was surprised and deeply touched by the compassion of Officer Reynolds. He stayed with us during the entire time and went above and beyond to ensure the safety of my wife and newborn child. Our baby is very healthy and arrived in the hospital in stable condition. All of my family and friends would like to thank the Seattle Police Department for their strong code of ethics. You have helped deliver a precious gift and we are so grateful.
I wanted to thank SPD for all their support.
Update: