Additional Coverage:
- Man runs into Florida street to save two young children who wandered away from rental home (foxnews.com)
Local Hero Leaps into Action, Saves Toddlers from Busy Brevard County Roadway
Brevard County, FL – A quick-thinking Florida driver became an unexpected hero on Sunday, fearlessly stopping traffic and running into a busy street to rescue two toddlers who had wandered into the path of oncoming vehicles.
John Brittingham was driving southbound on A1A when he spotted the two young girls, appearing to be around two years old or younger, standing in the middle of the active roadway. Without hesitation, Brittingham brought his vehicle to a halt and sprinted towards the children, signaling to other drivers to stop with an outstretched hand.
“I was terrified thinking of what could have happened to them. The rest of my life would have been ruined,” Brittingham recounted to WESH-TV, reflecting on the potential tragedy.
Video footage captures Brittingham’s rapid response as he reaches the children, one of whom was already in the center of the street. He swiftly gathered both girls, removing them from danger in approximately six seconds. The toddlers, unable to speak clearly, could only point and utter “Ohh.”
After ensuring the children’s safety, Brittingham began a search for their guardians, checking nearby homes. He eventually located an Airbnb property where he discovered an open back gate. Upon entering, he found an elderly couple and a young woman who appeared unaware that the children had wandered off.
“There was an elderly couple and a young girl, and they immediately went into like, ‘Oh my God, we’re so sorry,’” Brittingham explained. “And I was like, ‘Yeah, I know, I’m just glad I could get them back to you. They were out in the road, and your gate was open.’”
Brittingham, a father of five with grandchildren of his own, stated that his primary focus was reuniting the children with their family, and he did not contact law enforcement. His decisive actions undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic accident on the busy roadway.