Police Officer Catches Infant Dangling From Balcony in Jersey City

A Jersey City police officer is being hailed as a hero after catching an infant who was dangled, then dropped from a second-story balcony in the city’s Greenville neighborhood on September 18.

Reginald White recorded this heart-wrenching video on Rose Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey. The footage shows a man holding the one-month-old infant over the balcony railing. Police were gathered below, White said.

Kim Wallace-Scalcione, Director of Communications for the City of Jersey City, told Storyful Jersey City police officers were told of a male dangling a baby over a balcony and immediately responded. The baby was safely caught by Officer Eduardo Matute, Wallace-Scalcione said.

She told Storyful the baby was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was later discharged. Matute was photographed holding the baby at the hospital.

Wallace-Scalcione told Storyful the male who dropped the infant was immediately arrested and has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez tweeted thanks to the Jersey City Police Department, writing in part, “Kudos to the JCPD and all the officers involved for their heroics and for bringing a safe conclusion to this dangerous situation.” Credit: Reginald White via Storyful