WOODBRIDGE, N.J. — A New Jersey family is thanking the local police force for following up on an unusual 911 call that led one officer to their son’s bedroom.

Twelve-year-old Ryan Paul, who has autism, lost his teddy bear and was so distraught he did what you do in emergencies — he called 911 for a “rescue,” according to a report from News 12 New Jersey. The boy spoke briefly to a dispatcher then hung up.

The dispatcher returned the call and Officer Khari Manzini responded to the family home, where the teddy bear had been rescued, according to the report and Paul’s father, Bob Paul.

“Officer Manzini did a fabulous job making sure everything was OK, but also going the extra mile,” Bob Paul told the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey.

“He was very gracious and couldn’t do more to help Ryan, and put everybody at ease.”

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Bob Paul, a supporter of POAC Autism Services, a nonprofit that among other things offers training to law enforcement who encounter individuals with autism, said Manzini’s response was the model.

“I’d like to thank the officer who responded for his kindness and understanding, even posing for a picture with the ‘offender,’ as well as the 911 operator who called back to make sure everything was OK,” Bob Paul wrote on Facebook. “I’m glad that we have such a fine and caring police department.”

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Follow Stacey Barchenger on Twitter: @sbarchenger.

 

 

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