We never really know what we'll do in a crisis situation until we're thrown into that situation. Even grown-ups with training can't really be sure. But kids? Generally speaking, in a crisis, all you can do is hope for the best.
However, for one kid, the best sure came through, and he sure earned the praise he's been getting ever since.
The quick-thinking youngster earned his place in the spotlight after a would-be kidnapper tried to take off with him and his sister, only to be foiled in the attempt and later arrested.
As WCPO reported, Nita's sick daughter needed help into a wheelchair, so she left the kids while she did so. She thought she had locked the car, but a safety feature on the car preventing the car from locking with the keys still inside activated instead.
Unfortunately, Nita didn't realize what had gone wrong until a stranger climbed into the driver's seat and tried to take off.
Surveillance video from outside Middletown's Atrium Medical Center shows the car pulling away with the suspect behind the wheel and the rear door opening almost immediately as young Chance tries to get out.
However, he wasn't about to leave his sister Skylar, 10, behind — but the suspect had her in his grip.
She ran after the car, grabbing the driver's door handle, but the suspect slammed the door shut. She tried again, and "the second time he slammed it shut, I saw he had a hold of Skylar," Nita said.
So she screamed and grabbed back onto the door handle again, this time being dragged along with the car.
The surveillance video shows the pair tumbling out of the rear passenger door as the car speeds away.
Nita still clung to the driver's door for four car lengths before she had to let go, and was thankfully reunited with Chance and Skylar.
He faces charges of kidnapping, grand theft, and felonious assault.
Nita says that she can't think about how things could easily have gone differently. "Every time I think about it, I want to cry. It's the most morbid feeling in the world," she said.
"This little guy is a hero. No question," said Police Chief Muterspaw. "He pulled his sister out of the car with no concern for his own safety. That is incredible at his age and outstanding work by Officers Kirby and Engleka to find the suspect and take him down without incident. So proud of their work."
"That car didn't bother me at all," said Nita. "It was them two babies. No one needs to feel that fear. No one does."
You can see the surveillance video, as posted on the Middletown Police Facebook page, right here.
h/t WCPO
