On the evening of October 14, 2016, in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City, two dedicated NYPD officers—Felix Baez and Giovanni Laguna—sprang into life-saving action during what started as a routine patrol. Their quick thinking and CPR skills turned a potential tragedy into a story of hope and heroism.
The Incident Unfolds
Around 8:30 p.m., the plainclothes officers, both with four years on the force at the time, were driving an unmarked police vehicle near 138th Street and Willis Avenue in the Mitchell Houses area. That’s when they spotted a frantic young mother, identified as Liliana Benigno (also reported as Liliana Cano in some accounts), sprinting down the block while cradling her 14-month-old daughter, Ashley Dolores. The mother was desperately yelling “¡Ayúdame! ¡Ayúdame a mi bebé!” (“Help me! Help my baby!”) in Spanish, her voice echoing through the streets.
The officers immediately pulled over and approached the woman. Upon closer inspection, they saw the heartbreaking sight: little Ashley was unresponsive, limp in her mother’s arms, and her skin was turning a terrifying shade of blue—a clear sign of respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Officer Giovanni Laguna gently placed the toddler on the ground and began performing CPR, delivering chest compressions to restart her breathing and circulation. Meanwhile, Officer Felix Baez radioed for an ambulance and stayed by the mother’s side, offering reassurance amid the chaos.
A Race Against Time
After about a minute of intense compressions, a miracle happened: Ashley’s eyes fluttered open, and Officer Laguna detected a faint but promising pulse. Paramedics were en route, but the officers knew every second counted. Rather than wait, they made a split-second decision to transport Ashley and her mother to the nearest hospital themselves—in their patrol car.
The drive to Lincoln Hospital was a blur of urgency. Officer Laguna climbed into the back seat and continued CPR compressions on the tiny patient to maintain that fragile pulse. Up front, Officer Baez gripped the wheel, speeding through the Bronx streets while coordinating with fellow officers over the radio. Backup units cleared traffic lights and intersections, ensuring a clear path and turning the route into an improvised emergency convoy. The mother’s cries for her daughter filled the air, but the officers’ calm professionalism kept the situation from spiraling further.
A Happy Outcome and Lasting Impact
Upon arrival at Lincoln Hospital, medical staff rushed Ashley into care. Thanks to the officers’ immediate intervention, the 1-year-old stabilized quickly and was reported to be in stable condition, with doctors confirming she would make a full recovery. The exact cause of Ashley’s episode wasn’t publicly detailed—possibly a seizure, choking, or sudden infant distress—but the consensus from reports is clear: without Baez and Laguna’s actions, the outcome could have been devastating.
In the days following, the officers reunited with Liliana and a now-smiling Ashley at the hospital for photos and a press conference. “It feels great,” Baez said, his voice thick with emotion. “Knowing that we could provide a mother and daughter another shot, another day of life—it feels great.” Laguna echoed the sentiment, adding that it was their first time using CPR training in the field, but it came as second nature. Ashley’s brother, Emmanuel, later shared family relief: “She was sleeping, and then all of a sudden, she started reacting in a weird way… We’re just thankful.”
The NYPD praised the duo as exemplars of the force’s commitment to community protection beyond traditional duties. This wasn’t just a rescue; it was a testament to the human element in policing—two officers who saw a cry for help and became everyday heroes.
Why This Story Endures
Nearly a decade later, tales like this continue to inspire, reminding us of the profound difference split-second decisions can make. Baez and Laguna’s actions highlight the value of ongoing training, empathy, and courage in law enforcement. Thumbs up indeed—these officers didn’t just save a life; they restored faith in quick, compassionate response.
For more details, check out coverage from local outlets like ABC7 New York, PIX11, and CBS New York.
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