Full Breakdown
Georgia Police Rescue Five-Year-Old Boy from Sewer Drain
12/19/2025, 1:49:17 PM
Rescue Operation Details
On November 15, 2023, Gwinnett County police officers successfully rescued a five-year-old boy with autism from a sewer drain in Suwanee, Georgia. The rescue operation began after officers received reports of the child missing from Peachtree Ridge Park, where he had wandered away from a playground. The search lasted approximately 40 minutes before Officer Hugley discovered that a fence surrounding a nearby retention pond had been pulled up. Following his instincts, he crawled under the fence and checked a sewer drain in the vicinity.
Upon calling out to the boy, Officer Hugley received a faint response. Officer Nunez, who was also on the scene, crawled into the sewer and located the child approximately 200 feet inside the drain. Meanwhile, Lt. Huggins assisted by locating the nearest drain hole cover and directing the rescue efforts. The boy was safely extracted from the sewer without any injuries.
Aftermath and Care
Following the rescue, the child was offered a snack and a bottle of water as officers ensured he was unharmed. He was subsequently reunited with his parents, who had been anxiously awaiting news of his safety. The Gwinnett County Police Department shared footage of the rescue, highlighting the moment when Officer Hugley called out to the boy using his nicknames, "Bubby" and "Two."
Official Statements & Responses
The Gwinnett County Police Department commended the officers involved in the rescue, emphasizing the importance of their quick thinking and teamwork. In a statement, they noted, "Officer Hugley followed his instinct and checked the sewer drain, leading to the successful rescue of the child." The department expressed relief that the boy was unharmed and praised the efforts of all personnel involved in the operation.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rescue operation was largely viewed positively, some community members raised concerns about the safety measures in place at local parks, particularly regarding the security of fenced areas around retention ponds. These concerns highlight the need for ongoing discussions about child safety in public spaces.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He followed his instinct, went under the fence, and checked in a sewer drain of a nearby neighborhood.” — Gwinnett County Police Department
- “Bubby, Two, come here, it’s the police,” — Officer Hugley
- “Nunez got him!” — Officer on the scene
This incident underscores the critical role of law enforcement in emergency situations and the importance of community awareness regarding child safety.
