Florida MP helps deliver baby on freeway lane in dramatic video
A Florida congressman springed into action on Sunday when a panicked driver approached him at the side of a freeway and said his wife was about to give birth, authorities said.
Master Deputy Daniel “Red” Jones rushed to help the mother, who was lying in the front seats of the car on the shoulder of Highway 60 in Plant City, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.
The sheriff’s office shared video from Jones’ body camera that showed the deputy providing encouragement and emotional support — along with a lighthearted joke.
“Is this your first baby?” Jones asked the mother while holding her hand.
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Master Deputy Daniel “Red” Jones provided constant encouragement and emotional support to the pregnant mother, the sheriff’s office said. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
When the mother replied that she had given birth before, Jones asked how many children she had.
“This is the sixth,” said the mother.
“Six! Woo! You all need a better hobby!” exclaimed the deputy as the pair laughed.
Master Deputy Daniel “Red” Jones used his training to ensure a safe delivery, officials said. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
When it became clear an ambulance would not reach the vehicle in time, officials said Jones used his training to ensure the baby’s safe birth in the car.
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“Within minutes, a beautiful, healthy baby girl was born,” the sheriff’s office said, adding that the mother and child were taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation and care.
A healthy baby girl was born within minutes of Master Deputy Daniel “Red” Jones arriving at the vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 60 in Plant City, Fla. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Jones, who has worked in the sheriff’s office since 2001, was “thrilled” about welcoming the little girl into the world, officials said, and even suggested naming her after his own nickname, “Red.”
However, the baby’s father, Luis Lopez, told WTSP-TV that they named the little girl Lexela Luis Lopez.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said he was “extremely proud of Jones’ dedication to serving the community and noted that this was not the deputy’s first firing.
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“This is the third time he’s helped a citizen deliver a baby!” said the sheriff. “While giving birth in the front seat of a car wasn’t the original birth plan, Master Deputy Jones reassured the mother-of-six that she is in good hands.”
“I wish mom, dad and their new baby all the joy and happiness,” Chronister said. “Congratulations!”