Baby Born on I-77 in Charlotte, Mom Thanks Officers
CMPD Officer Delivers Baby on I-77 5th Week on Job
CHARLOTTE, NC — A mother is thanking two CMPD officers who helped her deliver her baby on the side of Interstate 77 Saturday.
Child birth is a road Taelor Johnson thought she’d been down before. Until her second child, Aria, decided to come into the world on the side of the interstate.
“I was like oh my God, and my mom is just like hang on hang on hang on,” said Johnson.
It was four in the morning Saturday. Johnson’s mother was rushing her down the highway to the hospital for premature contractions. That’s when they hit a traffic jam due to a wreck.
“I hear her go oh shoot,” said Johnson.
Baby Aria wasn’t going to wait. Johnson’s mother waved down officers who were diverting traffic.
“We see a lady across the road,” said Officer Kevin Jackson. “She was kind of frantic.”
Officer Jackson’s fifth week on the job, he sees the mother in labor.
“[I was a] little fearful because bringing a life into this world is kind of a big deal,” said Officer Jackson. “So, only having five weeks on, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that yet.”
“I’m holding onto the guard rail and my other hand is catching her coming out,” said Johnson.
“I Wrapped her up in a blanket, wiped her off,” said Officer Jackson. “I kind of looked her over.”
Baby Aria’s first photo was taken in the hands of CMPD police officers on the side of the highway.
Officer Jackson went back to visit her in the hospital.
“I actually had an infant death two days prior,” said Officer Jackson. “So seeing Aria in the hospital and being able to be a part of that really helped out with the coping.”
The rookie’s partner that morning was Officer Mike Caskey.
“Seeing the violence and the negative things, It’s good to see some of the positive things,” said Officer Caskey.
Johnson has a simple message for the officers: “Thank you for being there.”
