We’ve all heard the warnings about leaving kids or pets in hot cars—it’s dangerous and can even be deadly. On scorching summer days, police officers are extra vigilant, scanning parking lots for any sign of trouble. That’s exactly what happened in Keene, New Hampshire, when Officer Jason Short got a call that stopped his heart: a baby was left alone in a car in a Walmart parking lot.
A Race Against Time
Officer Short didn’t waste a second. “I got there as fast as I could,” he told WMUR. “I don’t know how fast I was going, but it was quick.” When he arrived, he saw what looked like a baby wrapped in a blanket, tiny feet poking out through the car window. With the sun blazing and no clue how long the child had been there, he acted fast, smashing the window with his baton to save the infant.
As he carefully lifted the baby out, his worst fears kicked in. The child looked lifeless—pale, with an odd skin tone. A crowd gathered, and Jason started CPR, calling for an ambulance. But then, something felt… off. In a surreal twist, he realized he wasn’t holding a baby at all—it was a hyper-realistic doll.
A Doll with a Deeper Story
The doll, named Ainsley, belonged to Carolynne Seiffer, who returned from shopping to find her car window shattered and a crowd around her $2,000 lifelike doll. Carolynne explained to WMUR that she owns about 40 of these dolls to help cope with the profound loss of her son. For some grieving parents, these realistic dolls offer a way to process their pain. “You can’t know how people choose to deal with their losses in life,” she said, understandably embarrassed by the commotion.
No Regrets, Just Relief
Officer Short admitted he felt a bit sheepish after realizing his mistake, but he stood by his actions. “I would never assume it’s a doll,” he told WMUR. “I would always assume it’s a child. I wouldn’t do anything different.” And honestly, who could blame him? The relief that no child was in danger far outweighed the awkwardness. The Keene Police Department stepped up, covering the $300 to fix Carolynne’s car window—a small price for peace of mind.
A Lesson for All
This story is wild, but it’s a reminder of how quickly things can escalate and how important it is to act with care. If you own a lifelike doll, police suggest keeping it in your trunk or bringing it with you to avoid confusion. It’s a small step to prevent a big misunderstanding.
What do you think about this mix-up? It’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, even mistakes come from a place of compassion. Share this story with your friends to spread the word, and let’s keep looking out for each other!
Have a story of your own about a surprising moment? Drop it in the comments below!
