Garden City Police Officer Saves Baby’s Life

A Garden City police officer rescued a baby from a locked vehicle in Garden City, Idaho, on May 14, 2026.

Dispatchers received a call on May 14 reporting that a baby had been left inside a locked car without the air conditioning running. According to police, the mother’s phone and keys were also locked inside the vehicle, and she was attempting to find help.

Officer Shaffer arrived at the scene and observed a young baby in a car seat who appeared to be in distress.

“I observed a very young baby in a car seat. The baby appeared to be sweaty and was crying and screaming almost like it was in distress.”

Officer Shaffer

Officer Shaffer broke a window in an attempt to unlock the car. However, he found that child safety locks prevented him from opening the door from the outside.

“I dove through the window, climbed into the car, unlocked the vehicle from the inside, and handed the baby to the mother,”

Officer Shaffer

The Garden City Police Department stated that no charges will be requested, as they determined there was no negligence or criminal intent on the part of the mother.

Officer Shaffer noted that his experience and training guided his actions during the rescue, stating that his immediate priority was to remove the child from the vehicle.

“My first thought was I need to get this baby out one way or the other”

Officer Shaffer

When asked about saving the child’s life, Officer Shaffer said that while it is part of his job, the outcome makes him feel great.