Austin Officers Save 4-Year-Old from Choking in Heroic Rescue
Two Austin police officers, Dalton Schroeder and Jason Wright, are being celebrated for their quick response and life-saving actions during a tense incident last month.
On February 16, the officers rushed to the Menlo at Mueller Apartments in East Austin after receiving an urgent welfare check call. Upon arrival, they found 4-year-old William Martinez Romero choking on his saliva while panicked relatives sought help.
Thanks to their swift intervention, William received the care he needed, demonstrating the officers’ commitment to protecting their community in critical moments. Their bravery and professionalism turned what could have been a tragedy into a story of hope and gratitude.
Officers’ Quick Thinking and Personal Preparedness Save Choking Child
Recently released body camera footage from the Austin Police Department captures a life-saving moment involving two of its officers. When Officers Dalton Schroeder and Jason Wright arrived at an apartment in East Austin, they found a 4-year-old child, William Martinez Romero, choking on his saliva.
As Officer Wright began administering back blows to help clear the child’s airway, Officer Schroeder reached for a special anti-choking device—one he had personally purchased in case of such emergencies. Using the device, the officers successfully dislodged the obstruction, allowing William to breathe freely once more.
“The outstanding work done by Officer Schroeder and Officer Wright successfully saved the life of a young child,” the department said in a statement. “APD commends both officers on their swift and effective action.”
Mother Expresses Gratitude to Officers Who Saved Her Son
At a press conference on Wednesday, Guadalupe Romero, mother of 4-year-old William Martinez Romero, voiced her deep appreciation for the two Austin police officers who saved her son’s life. “It makes me sad and thankful for these two officers who arrived so quickly, and that my son is still with me,” Romero said as footage of the rescue was shown.
While it was initially believed that William had choked on candy, doctors later determined the obstruction was caused by his own saliva. Now fully recovered, William demonstrated his gratitude and relief by giving Officer Schroeder a warm hug at their emotional reunion.