KINSTON, N.C. — A North Carolina police officer is being called a hero after saving a choking baby Monday night.

Police in Kinston said around 9:07 p.m., Officer J. Jones rushed to a call about a 4-month-old who couldn’t breathe. When she got to the home, the baby’s mother was outside, holding her child and trying to get help.

Officer Jones stepped in and started performing back slaps to clear the baby’s airway. Kinston police said within moments, the baby started to cry — a sound everyone on scene was thankful to hear.

EMS took the child to UNC Lenoir to be checked out, and police said the baby is expected to be okay.

The department is recognizing Officer Jones for her quick thinking and calm under pressure, saying her actions likely prevented a tragedy.

See Full Page