ATLANTA — Newly released body camera video is giving the public a firsthand look at the tense moments when Atlanta police officers rescued two missing children and arrested Lakesha Brown inside a locked trailer.
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The dramatic rescue was captured on officers’ body cameras and unfolded after investigators tracked Brown and the children to the trailer. Before forcing their way inside, officers repeatedly tried to make contact.
“Several attempts were made to make contact with anyone inside of it. Got nothing,” Inv. Sherrod Stancil told Channel 2 Action News.
Officers then began hitting the trailer in an effort to get a response.
“We hit it a little bit more, and I heard what I thought was a distinct, like a coo from a child. So I was like, ‘Hey, I think I hear something,’” Stancil said.
Body camera video shows officers calling for bolt cutters to remove the lock from the trailer door.
“Eventually, someone came up with bolt cutters. We got the lock cut down,” Stancil said.
Moments later, officers breached the trailer and rushed inside.
Video shows officers ordering everyone to show their hands as they secured the scene.
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“I immediately noticed that the female had tried to disguise herself underneath the blanket, but I could see her legs, specifically her tattoo,” Stancil said.
Officers quickly identified Brown and safely located the children.
“There’s a sense of relief… I think upon seeing the kids, you’re like, ah, you know what? This is good. This is good. This is good,” Stancil said.
The body camera footage also captures officers carrying the children to safety.
“This is a reminder of why we do this job. Success stories like this, where we’re able to rescue children,” Sgt. Anthony Taijeron-John said.
For the officers involved, the rescue represents one of the most rewarding outcomes possible.
“This is the best outcome you could hope for. So, I felt actually extremely proud of everyone that was involved,” Investigator Lukasz Sajdak said.
Police say the children were safely recovered and Brown was taken into custody. The rescue brought a successful end to a case that had drawn widespread concern and mobilized multiple law enforcement resources.
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