Truckers help rescue toddler

Jan. 11, 2013

Two truck drivers were instrumental in the rescue of a 2-year-old boy from Houston County, TN, after a statewide Amber Alert was issued for the abducted child on Wednesday.

After seeing the Amber Alert on a highway sign, an observant truck driver spotted the boy, his father and their vehicle as they sped down Interstate 24 toward the state border, according to a WSMV News report.

The trucker first called his wife to have her double check the correct license plate number. With her confirmation, he reported the sighting to the Tennessee Highway Patrol and then continued to follow the car until help arrived on the scene.

Another pair of truck drivers attempted to slow the driver until police arrived to take the father into custody, according to THP.

Officials said Austin Whitehead, 23, surrendered without incident.

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Deborah Whistler

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