May 26, 2009 6:08 pm US/Central
Young Boy Saves Dad By Taking The Wheel
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (CBS) ―
Nebraska police praised a six-year-old boy whose quick thinking saved his father.
Phillip Mains was driving his two sons home after picking up dinner when he experienced a diabetic episode.
The North Platte police department was notified of the incident when someone called 911., reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York.
"There's a guy in a gray pickup and there's a little kid sitting on his lap," the caller said. "He looks like he's passed out. He's weaving all over the road. "
But with Mains slumped behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Avalanche, his son Tustin grabbed the wheel.
"When he passed out, I hopped up there and drove (the car)," the six year-old said. "I had my hands on the steering wheel."
Officer Roger Freeze responded to the emergency call. "The boy looked pretty much terrified," Freeze said. "He looked right at me with that look of please help us."
Phillip main's foot had slipped from the accelerator after he lost consciousness, but the vehicle continued to move. Police estimated Tustin drove a total of two miles on the town's main road.
Freeze decided to take action as he watched the car swerve back and forth across the road.
"I just got as close as I could, threw (my car) in park, and jumped out," Freeze said. "I just started running."
Freeze caught up to the truck, throwing it into park en-route to ensuring it came to a safe stop.
But Mains, who is doing well, gave his son plenty of credit for keeping the vehicle on the road. "I'm so proud of Tustin for what he's done," Mains said. "It's simply amazing."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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