‘She Was So Close to the Water’: Florida Officer Rescues Girl
In a powerful moment captured on body-worn camera footage, a Clearwater police officer became a hero to one visiting family after rescuing a missing 8-year-old girl with autism who was found sitting on jagged rocks just feet from the ocean. The child, who is non-verbal and unable to swim, had slipped away unnoticed from her family while they were visiting the area on a spring vacation.
The girl, whose name has not been publicly released, was reported missing around midday after her family, visiting from out of state, realized she was no longer in their hotel room. The family had been staying at a beachfront resort on South Gulfview Boulevard — a stretch known for its scenic views and active beachgoers. It was supposed to be a relaxing trip for the family, a much-needed break. Instead, it turned into a nightmare.
A Frantic Search Begins
Police say the child wandered off during a brief moment of inattention. The family had been preparing for an outing when they noticed she had slipped out of the sliding glass door and vanished.
“She moves fast,” her father told police. “One minute she was here, the next she was gone. It’s the most helpless feeling a parent can have.”
Within minutes of the 911 call, multiple Clearwater Police Department units were dispatched, joined by K9 units, beach patrol, and local lifeguards. Officers canvassed the area, checking nearby alleyways, beach entrances, and parking structures.
In missing child cases, particularly those involving children with autism, every second counts. Statistics from the National Autism Association show that nearly half of children with autism engage in wandering behaviors. Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of death among those incidents.
The Discovery: Danger at the Water’s Edge
Officer Eric Billups, a seasoned patrol officer with over 12 years on the force, responded to the call and took initiative to check behind the hotel near an ongoing construction site — an area not easily visible to the public.
“I followed a hunch,” he said in a department briefing. “I know from experience that kids with autism can be drawn to water. I wanted to check the rocks by the shoreline behind the hotel.”
That hunch proved lifesaving.
As he approached, bodycam footage shows the officer carefully navigating through a narrow pathway of rubble and sandbags. Suddenly, just ahead, he spotted the little girl — sitting quietly on uneven rocks, her legs dangling perilously close to the surf, her back to the tide.
The child, dressed in a blue t-shirt and shorts, appeared calm but unaware of the imminent danger.
“She was completely silent,” Officer Billups said. “She didn’t react when I called to her, and I realized she was likely non-verbal or overwhelmed. I just focused on getting to her without startling her.”
Approaching slowly and with great care, the officer extended his hand and gently guided her back toward safety.
“Be careful. Watch your step,” he said repeatedly in the video, his voice steady but urgent as he helped her down from the slippery rocks.
Relief and Reunification
Paramedics quickly responded to the scene to assess the girl. Thankfully, aside from a few minor scrapes, she was unharmed. Officers then reunited her with her family, who were waiting anxiously nearby.
The emotional reunion was a moment of immense relief. Her mother collapsed into tears, hugging the child tightly as Officer Billups stood nearby, visibly moved but composed.
“I just did what I was trained to do,” he later said. “I’m a parent too — I know how terrifying that situation must have been.”
The Clearwater Police Department released a public statement commending Officer Billups for his bravery and compassion, noting that his quick instincts and calm approach likely prevented a tragedy.
A Broader Issue: Autism and Wandering
Advocacy organizations praised the officer’s handling of the case, noting that first responders trained in autism awareness can make a critical difference.
“Incidents like this highlight the importance of autism safety training for law enforcement,” said Angela Morris, director of a Florida-based autism outreach group. “The officer’s calm tone, non-threatening posture, and verbal guidance were exactly what a child like this needs in a moment of distress.”
The girl’s parents revealed that she had a history of wandering and a strong sensory attraction to water — a common trait among children with autism. They said they typically take extensive precautions, including door alarms and GPS trackers, but had momentarily let their guard down in the unfamiliar setting.
“We thought the room was secure, but we were wrong. It could have ended so differently,” the mother said through tears.
Moving Forward: A Cautionary Tale
The department is using this case as an opportunity to raise awareness about water safety and autism. Officers have begun distributing pamphlets on travel safety tips for families with special needs children, and local officials are considering a public awareness campaign before the peak summer tourist season.
Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard also weighed in: “We’re proud of our police force, and grateful for Officer Billups’ actions. But this incident is also a wake-up call. We must do more as a community to ensure every child — especially those with special needs — is safe.”
As for Officer Billups, the father of two says he’s just thankful he was in the right place at the right time.
“I’ll never forget her face,” he said. “She looked so peaceful, but the danger was real. I’m just glad she’s home safe.”
