VIDEO: Avon officer pulls baby out of crashed car after chase

AVON, Ohio - Dash cam video from a police chase shows an Avon officer pulling a baby out of a crashed car.

Avon police said 30-year-old Josue Rodriquez, of Lorain, stole from the Kohl’s in Avon Commons Shopping Center with a baby in tow at about 3:33 p.m. Tuesday. Officers chased him down Detroit Road, as he ran stoplights, but backed off when they learned there was a young child in the car.

Rodriguez ran a light at state Route 254 and state Route 611, hitting another car and disabling his own vehicle, police said.

The dash cam video shows the view from two different police cars. The cop car pulls up on the crash, where the front of Rodriguez’s car is smoking and resting on a flower bed. One officer draws his gun and approaches the car, only to realize what’s inside.

Two officers struggle to open the doors, but finally one man reaches into the car window and grabs the baby. According to Avon police, the child was taken to the Avon Emergency Care Center, before being transported by ambulance to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.

The driver of the other car was taken to St. John Westshore Hospital. None of their injuries appeared to be life threatening.

Police said Rodriguez was taken by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center. When he was released, police took him to the Lorain County Jail.

Rodriguez was charged with robbery, felony fleeing, driving under suspension, child endangering, operating under the influence, reckless operation, hit skip, seat belt violation and child restraint. Police did not say what his relationship is to the child.

The entire chase lasted less than one minute, according to Avon police.