feEmergency Responders Smash Car’s Window After Report Of Baby Locked Inside, End Up Rescuing Lifelike Doll

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Real locked car, unreal baby. (KOGO ABC 7 News)

If you’re in the habit of leaving eerily lifelike baby dolls strapped into a car seat while you’re out and about, you might want to reconsider, unless, of course, you like having your car’s windows smashed open: police in Oakland, Calif. say emergency responders busted the window of a vehicle after passersby reported a baby locked inside, only to find it was a very human looking doll that’d been placed in a rear-facing car seat, just like a living child would be.

An officer with the Oakland Police Department told ABC News that emergency personnel forced their way into the vehicle on Monday, because that’s just what has to be done when a report like that comes in.

“Although this incident did not involve a baby or small child, it was unknown at the time,” the officer said. “And first responders’ number one priority is to ensure … safety.”

It’s unclear why the owner of the car left the doll in the back seat, but it’s unlikely they’ll make that mistake again. Because as it turns out, people who see what appears to be child in a locked car with the windows up are going to report it. Which of course, is a good thing for any real babies in that situation, so keep it up, guys.

“We encourage anyone who believes there is a dangerous situation such as this incident to contact emergency personnel so we can make that determination,” the officer added.

Emergency Crews Smash Car Window to Rescue Baby, Find Lifelike Doll in Car Seat [ABC News]

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist