Toddler Rescued from Road

by Julia Lloyd Wright
excerpted from The Eagle Times Newspaper, 22Apr97

(I swear, I was just stepping outside to look for our cats.......)

"Parents of a Weathersfield toddler owe their gratitude to an observant neighbor this morning.

"Unnoticed, the toddler reportedly walked out of his home near Downers Four Corners early Monday Night while the family was asleep on the couch in front of the television. They reportedly fell asleep watching a movie.

"The toddler let himself out and was spotted running down the middle of the road at the often busy intersection of Routes 131 and 106 by neighbor Bruce Partlow.

"When reached by phone this morning, Partlow said the child appeared to be about 2 years old. He said he didn't recognize the toddler, and was surprised by how fast the young one could run.

"'He was running full out and I had to sprint to catch him.' Partlow said. The toddler ran behind the Weathersfield Business Center before being caught by Partlow. 'He was cold and crying,' Partlow said. Since there was no one in the area, he took the child to his home and called the State Police.

"The intersection does not have regular traffic lights and cars often speed thru. The area is also bordered by steep, rocky embankments.

"As the State Police were beginning their investigation, the toddler's father awoke and began searching for his son. Father and son were later reunited by police. State Police refused to issue a press release or to identify the boy's family. Weathersfield Police Chief Richard Brown could not be reached for comment."