Deputy Jumps Into Neck-Deep Pond to Rescue 8-Year-Old Girl Who Disappeared Underwater

LOUISIANA — Dramatic body-camera footage shows a sheriff’s deputy rushing into a pond to rescue an eight-year-old nonspeaking girl with autism after she wandered into the water and disappeared beneath the surface.

The rescue took place on September 6, 2026, in an unincorporated area of Carencro, Louisiana. Footage documenting the incident was featured by Reuters Connect on October 16.

A Missing Child Found in Immediate Danger

According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies were initially responding to a report involving a missing child.

While officers were traveling to the location, they received an update that the girl had been found but had entered a nearby pond.

By the time deputies arrived at Blushing Groom Drive, the situation had become an urgent water rescue.

Deputy Rushes Into the Water

As bystanders stood near the pond, the young girl went underwater.

Corporal Jared Havard recognized the immediate danger and entered the pond without delay, moving through water that reached his neck while still wearing his police uniform.

Body-camera footage captured the rescue as Havard made his way toward the child.

Girl Brought Safely Back to Shore

Havard successfully reached the girl and brought her out of the water.

She was safely returned to the bank, where she was reunited with her family.

The rescue brought a frightening emergency to a successful conclusion after the child had been reported missing and subsequently entered the pond.

A Dramatic Rescue Captured on Camera

The footage provides a firsthand look at the speed with which an emergency involving a missing child can develop into a life-threatening situation.

It also documents the deputy’s immediate response after recognizing that the girl had gone beneath the surface.

The incident highlights the importance of rapid emergency intervention and water safety, particularly when a child is unable to communicate verbally.

Source: Reuters Connect / StringersHub, October 16, 2026. Incident information attributed to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.