Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

DoorDash worker saves wandering toddler in Detroit

The toddler was shivering and wearing just a diaper and socks when Robert Jackson III found him

Arpan Rai
Tuesday 11 January 2022 09:46 EST
Comments
(Fox 2 Detroit)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A DoorDash worker making a delivery saved a toddler he spotted wandering around Detroit’s 8 Mile Road.

Robert Jackson III, the DoorDash employee, found the toddler wearing just a diaper and socks and walking on the road on Sunday while on his way to make a delivery.

“I saw something in the distance, but I wasn’t sure what it was. As I got closer, I noticed it’s a kid,” Mr Jackson told Fox 2 Detroit.

“He was standing in the middle of Eight Mile like this,” he added, imitating the manner in which the toddler was shivering.

The toddler’s age has not been confirmed yet. The child was too young to speak.

His hands, lips and fingers were purple, Mr Jackson explained.

“A baby - yeah man I know. You can’t ask him who his mommy is. He can’t talk,” Mr Jackson is heard saying in a video that he recorded of the child after rescuing him.

“Look, he has no shoes,” he said, pointing the camera at the toddler’s feet. Mr Jackson had the child wrapped in his coat to keep him warm from the 38F (3C) temperature recorded in Detroit on Sunday.

Wind and weather conditions made the air especially chilly, according to the Fox 2 report.

The DoorDash employee then called another driver for help and reached out to police.

Mr Jackson said he comforted the child while waiting for the police.

Detroit police identified the toddler and traced his house to less than a block away from where he was found.

The boy was first taken to a nearby children’s hospital for a check up.

Police officials said the child had just walked out of his family home, where his 16-year-old sibling was responsible for babysitting him.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in