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Video captures NJ cops miraculously catching 2-yr-old tossed from second floor of burning apartment

The father and his two-year-old son suffered minor injuries, however, the extent of the injuries has not been disclosed

A father and his 2-year-old were both unharmed after the youngster was thrown from a second-story window during an apartment fire in New Jersey on Monday, March 7. Officials from the South Brunswick Township Police Department and Chief Chris Perez of the Monmouth Junction Fire Department were engaged in the rescue, which was recorded on film from several angles. Police Sgt John Penney told, "we thought the building was evacuated, and then there’s somebody at the window and then we said, 'Oh my God, he has a baby,'" His father, who has not been officially recognized, dropped from the second floor after the kid was thrown to rescuers.

Social media was happy to see that both of them are safe and applaud the effort of the authorities. One user wrote, “Great teamwork guys! Way to go GREAT JOB!” “God bless our police and volunteers! Prayers to all those families 🙏” another person added. Someone wrote, “solid work brothers being there for the family in their time of need. South Brunswick PD and FD working together to save lives and property 👍” “Proud to live in this town!  Way to go Officers!” yet another user remarked. 

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According to authorities, the father's fall was stopped by rescuers and the bushes surrounding the structure. Police Patrolman Ryan Bartunek had immediately assessed the situation and determined that catching the residents seems to be the only choice. He told, "We knew we had to act fast, as there wasn’t time to mess around. The smoke was coming out so bad." When first responders arrived at the three-story property, a significant fire was spreading on the top two stories and dense smoke was filling the structure. According to the Monmouth Fire Department, residents told firemen that several of their neighbors were still inside meanwhile the smoke blocked all the possible evacuation routes. 

As per the department, the father and son suffered minor injuries. The extent of the injuries sustained by the father and son has not been disclosed. No additional injuries have been recorded. Fire Chief Perez said to NBC New York, “this dramatic rescue was the result of years of first responders working together.” One resident, Venkat Muyppaneni, told, "we didn’t get any fire alarm." The agency reported that an early attempt to go inside for people was immediately blocked by flames.

Bartunek, Sgt William Merkler, and Detective Sgt John Penney and Perez all rushed below the window to catch the toddler and his father, according to the police department's statement. The fire's cause is still being investigated. Residents were not permitted to reoccupy their units Monday night due to the extent of the fire damage. The Red Cross was helping them find temporary shelter. Many others came back later in the day to recover items that had been damaged by smoke, fire, or water.