Two Bay County Sheriff’s deputies are being recognized for their calm and compassionate response after assisting an autistic child who fled from his father’s vehicle and refused to return, prompting a three-hour effort in a local field on Monday.
On May 5, Deputies Giawashi and Sammons responded to the call involving a child who had run out of his father’s vehicle and into an open area. According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the child, who is on the autism spectrum, would not come back to the car or communicate at first.
Over the course of three hours, the deputies worked patiently to build trust with the child, maintaining a calm demeanor while engaging him in conversation and earning his confidence. The approach ultimately succeeded, and the child agreed to walk back home with Deputy Giawashi.
The deputy escorted the child on foot for over half a mile, safely returning him to his residence. The department emphasized the importance of understanding and de-escalation in such encounters, particularly involving individuals with special needs.
Bay County Sheriff’s Office highlights special needs registry
In the wake of the incident, the Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public of its special needs registry, designed to assist families with children on the autism spectrum or adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The registry contains vital information such as names, photos, and emergency contacts.
In situations where individuals wander from home or are found without identification, deputies and analysts with the BAYROC unit can use the system to rapidly identify and locate the person’s home, improving outcomes during potentially high-risk situations.
The department noted that incidents involving special needs individuals can be especially lasting in their impact and that compassionate handling by law enforcement makes a meaningful difference.