A New Jersey police officer has been hailed a hero after he caught a 1-month-old baby who was tossed from a second-floor balcony.
Eduardo Matute and fellow Jersey City officers responded Saturday morning to a report of a man “dangling a baby over a balcony” on Rose Avenue, NJ.com reported.
Officer Joseph Casey began setting up a perimeter to negotiate with the suspect, who ultimately dropped the baby – but the quick-thinking Matute caught the unharmed child.
“Kudos to the JCPD and all the officers involved for their heroics and for bringing a safe conclusion to this dangerous situation,” Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in a statement.
“We especially want to acknowledge the actions & bravery of the negotiator and first-responding PO Joseph Casey, South District PO Eduardo Matute who safely caught the baby after being dropped from a 2nd floor balcony & Incident Commander Capt Michael McKerry. Thank you, Officers!” she added.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop shared a photo on Instagram showing Matute cradling the infant at a nearby hospital.
“We are lucky to have the men and woman of the JCPD, as every single day I see it firsthand they rise to meet any/all challenges,” he wrote.
The unidentified man was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, Jersey City spokesperson Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione told CNN, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
The baby, who was taken to the hospital as a precaution, was later discharged, she said.