New Jersey police officer saves 1-year-old baby choking on candy
NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) – A New Jersey police officer prevented what could've been a tragedy thanks to quick-thinking.
A man screamed for help on the street in Newark on Dec. 6 around 7:30 a.m. A mother said a peppermint candy was stuck in her 1-year-old child's throat and that she couldn't breathe, police said.
Newark Traffic Unit Sgt. J. Cosme heard the call for help and stepped in, using the Heimlich Maneuver to get the candy unstuck from the girl's airway. The child was able to cough up the candy and started breathing again.
Cosme then drove the girl and her mother to the hospital, where she's now recovering.
"This is the type of exemplary police service that lets our residents and visitors know that they can count on Newark Police when facing challenging and unpredictable situations. Thanks to Sergeant Cosme, this incident ended with the best possible outcome," Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.