Back in May, a sheriff’s deputy in Clark County, Washington, responded to a call about a 2-year-old boy left alone in a car outside in 92°F heat. The officer didn’t hesitate and immediately smashed the car window to get in and pull the toddler out before later filing charges against the parents. However, as the case has progressed, bodycam footage released on June 17 has provided a clearer understanding of what actually happened.
The footage shows Deputy Ben Hulsey approaching the car with the toddler inside. There were several adults surrounding the vehicle, with one woman saying she wanted to provide the child with shade.
In the video, the deputy can be heard constantly relaying his decision-making over his radio, saying the child is barely conscious. Hulsey then walks back to his car, retrieves a crowbar, returns to the vehicle, breaks a window, and consoles the child while helping the toddler move back with him.
According to the sheriff’s office, at that point the toddler had been left in the car for 16 minutes. His parents were reportedly at a nearby grocery store and had left their child unattended for reasons that have not yet been disclosed. The sheriff’s office did, however, state that “both parents now face charges of reckless endangerment, and Child Protective Services has been notified.”
The case sparked heated discussion on Facebook. When the Clark County Sheriff’s Office posted the video on the platform as a warning against such behavior, the comment section was almost universally in agreement that the conduct was unacceptable.
One user wrote, “When I had my first child in 1990, it was illegal to leave any child under 11 (might have been 11 and under) in a car by themselves. In any weather, for any length of time, no matter how short.” Another added, “I wouldn’t have waited for the police. I’ve broken a window before to save a dog. I carry a hammer in my truck for this reason.”
That latter comment sparked its own discussion, with one user responding, “For those asking, House Bill 1046, signed into law last year, exempts one from liability for damage done when attempting to save the life of a child or pet.”
The bill in question was signed into law on April 19, 2026. Colloquially, it was referred to by lawmakers as the “Good Samaritan law” — it grants civil liability immunity to individuals who break a car window to save someone trapped inside when, due to age or health, they cannot exit. It also applies to pets, meaning the final comment was correct.
Summer naturally brings opportunities to go back outside to swim and socialize, but those activities require more care and intention than many people realize. Without proper caution, tragedies can quickly follow, making reminders and warnings especially important at this time of year.
As such, the sheriff’s office warned people, “As we approach summer and temperatures begin to rise, this is your reminder: Never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Not even for a few minutes.”
Published: Jun 20, 2026 12:05 pm