Colorado mom charged with child abuse after she recklessly crashed SUV while her 4-year-old sat in backseat

BOULDER, COLORADO:  A Colorado mother is now facing child abuse charges after recklessly driving her SUV into a retaining wall, leaving it perilously suspended with her 4-year-old child in the backseat on Tuesday, January 16. 

The heart-stopping scene unfolded at 30th Street and Valmont Road in Boulder, where first responders raced against time to rescue the child, as per Fox News. 

Boulder police body cam footage reveals dramatic rescue operation 

The released body camera footage from the Boulder Police Department captured the intensity of the rescue operation. Two officers swiftly responded to the crash site, discovering the silver Lexus SUV hanging "precariously" on a retaining wall with the driver still trapped inside.

Collaborating seamlessly, officers from the Boulder Police Department and the Boulder Fire and Rescue worked together to stabilize the SUV.

First responders skillfully removed mother and child from hanging SUV

The first responders strategically secured the vehicle, allowing for the safe extraction of both the driver and the four-year-old child from the SUV's confines.

"I saw what I believed was little legs, so I was like that's it we need to escalate the situation a little bit because we need to make sure everyone is safe," said Officer Raquel Ray.

The officer took swift action by shattering the car window to capture the driver's attention. Subsequently, the woman behind the wheel acknowledged the situation and turned off her car engine, while it dangled off the retaining wall.

Officer Carlos Castro, with assistance from Officer Ray, successfully rescued the child. Then, the Boulder crew stabilized the car, ensuring the safety of the mother, who was driving.

"Luckily, both passengers were unharmed," confirmed the department.

However, the mother now faces serious legal consequences. The Boulder police have charged her with careless driving, reckless endangerment, and child abuse.

Authorities are also delving into the possibility that the driver might have experienced a "medical event."

Further, the Boulder Fire and Rescue emphasized the critical role of their routine vehicle extrication training in successfully navigating the complex rescue operation. Such incidents demand precision, and the expertise displayed by the responders ensures the safety of all involved.