CRIME BLOTTER

Clark County deputies smash window to rescue 2-year-old from car in 92-degree weather

Jun 18, 2026, 9:17 AM | Updated: 9:18 am

Clark County hot car rescue...

A photo of a Clark County Sheriff's Office deputy breaking a car window to rescue a child. (Photo courtesy of the Clark County Sheriff's Office)

(Photo courtesy of the Clark County Sheriff's Office)

Deputies smashed out a vehicle’s window in Clark County to rescue a 2-year-old boy who was left inside while outside temperatures reached 92 degrees.

Last month, Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Deputy Hulsey responded to a 911 call after witnesses reported a small child left alone inside a parked vehicle, CCSO announced.

Customers realized something was wrong and gathered around the vehicle to create shade for the child as deputies responded.

Bystanders gather to create shade for the child as deputies rush to scene

The engine was turned off, and only a small crack was left for the rear window to let air inside the vehicle. Deputy Hulsey arrived and located the 2-year-old child strapped into a car seat, sweating heavily, and unresponsive, with his head tilted to the side.

Deputy Hulsey believed the child was in immediate danger and sprang into action by breaking the vehicle’s window to rescue him. The boy was removed from the vehicle, placed in an air-conditioned patrol car, and later evaluated by medics.

Investigators had determined that the boy was left alone in the hot car for roughly 16 minutes. Deputies made contact with the parents, who had been inside the nearby grocery store for about 30 minutes.

Both parents now face charges of reckless endangerment, and Child Protective Services was notified of the incident.

“A parked car can become dangerously hot within minutes—even with a window cracked,” CCSO stated. “According to the NHTSA, 31 children died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States in 2025. Every one of those tragedies was preventable. If you see a child or pet left alone in a vehicle and believe they’re in distress, don’t hesitate to call 911. That’s exactly what these community members did. Thank you for recognizing that something was wrong and for helping ensure the little boy received the care he needed.”

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

Crime Blotter

Kirkland stolen property...

Jason Sutich

Kirkland police recover more than $30K in stolen property across King County

More than $30,000 in stolen property connected to burglaries and vehicle prowls was recently recovered across several King County cities.

10 hours ago

speed cameras vandalized...

James Lynch

Vandals target Bellevue’s new speed cameras

Just weeks after new speed cameras went up, the Bellevue Police Department said vandals have already started targeting them.

11 hours ago

Seattle fatal collision motorcycle...

MyNorthwest Staff

Motorcyclist killed in fatal hit-and-run collision near Seattle Pacific University

A fatal collision blocked all lanes near 6th Avenue W and W Nickerson Street on Wednesday, and Seattle police are currently investigating the cause.

11 hours ago

Parkland bar shooting...

James Lynch

Dozens flee as shots fired out outside Parkland bar

Pierce County deputies are asking for the public’s help after a chaotic early morning shooting outside a packed Parkland bar.

12 hours ago

Seattle Montana family killed...

Associated Press

Former Seattle man killed 8 relatives, including 4 kids, at Sunday dinner in Montana, family says

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A former Seattle man killed eight of his relatives, including four children, as they gathered for Sunday dinner at a home outside Billings, Montana, weeks after his parents asked him to move out, a family member told The Associated Press.

1 day ago

WA governor threat kill charge...

James Lynch

Man charged with threatening to kill WA governor after laying out detailed plan

A 34-year-old man with a history of violent offenses has been charged in King County with threatening to kill Washington Governor Robert Ferguson.

1 day ago

Clark County deputies smash window to rescue 2-year-old from car in 92-degree weather