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Milpitas Officers Catch Toddler and Dog Thrown From Balcony During Apartment Fire

Police have released body-camera video of the rescue, prompting plans to recommend life-saving medals.

Overview

  • Dispatchers received calls around 3:00–3:15 p.m. Saturday about residents trapped in a burning unit on South Park Victoria Drive.
  • Officers Barragan and Hartley arrived in under two minutes and found exits blocked by heavy fire, directing parents to drop their 3-year-old to waiting officers.
  • Body-camera footage posted by the Milpitas Police Department shows an officer catching the child, then catching the family dog moments later.
  • Firefighters evacuated remaining occupants after arriving shortly thereafter, and authorities reported no serious injuries.
  • Police identified the two responding officers and said they will seek life-saving medals, while neighbors reported several apartments sustained damage.