Police Officer Breaks Into Hot Car To Rescue Crying Children

Two young children were rescued from a hot car in a Georgia mall parking lot thanks to quick-thinking bystanders who called 911. The incident occurred outside Cumberland Mall in Cobb County, where a woman reported hearing children crying inside a parked car with no adult in sight. The Cobb County Police Department released bodycam footage showing officers arriving at the scene, shattering the driver's window, and freeing the children, who were not properly restrained in the back seat.

The temperature inside the car had reached 117 degrees Fahrenheit, while the outside temperature was 87 degrees. The children had been left unattended for approximately 41 minutes. J'quawn Dixon, who returned to the car, was arrested and charged with two felony counts of second-degree child cruelty. According to the arrest warrant obtained by WAGA, Dixon caused "cruel or excessive physical or mental pain" to the children by leaving them in the hot car.

Dixon was released on bond the following day and is set to face the charges in court. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison for each count.

The Cobb County Police Department thanked the bystanders for their swift action, stating, "Your quick action is the reason these kids are safe today."

The department shared body camera footage of the officer rescuing the children on its Instagram page.