Woodbridge Police Officer Responds To 911 Call For Lost Bear

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A Woodbridge police officer is being recognized by thousands after he helped a teenage boy with autism find his missing teddy bear.

The incident happened last Wednesday, March 13: A Woodbridge teen named Ryan Paul, who has autism, called 911 because his beloved teddy bear, "Freddy," was missing. However, the teen hung up before the 911 operator could speak to him.

"We take 911 hang-up calls very seriously," said Patrolman Khari Manzini, the officer who responded to the home that day. "Because it could be someone being attacked or it could be as mundane as a pocket dial. But you just never know. So I drove to the home and the boy's father comes out into the yard as soon as I pulled up."

Bob Paul, Ryan's dad, was somewhat embarrassed and apologized that his son called the police for a missing bear. But Manzini still went inside the home to say hi to the teen.

"The dad said, 'I'm sorry, officer, but my son has autism and his teddy bear has fallen and needed to be rescued,'" said Manzini.

The bear had actually already been found by the time the officer went inside, but Ryan still hugged him and wanted to pose for photographs with the police officer.

"He said, 'It's the policeman we need to rescue the teddy bear,'" said the officer. "His Dad explained to him that 911 is for real emergencies, but I think Ryan truly did think this was for a necessary reason. He recognized that you call 911 when you need help."

Manzini, 23, grew up in Woodbridge and still lives in the community he has been hired to protect. Like all Woodbridge police officers, he's received special training in dealing with kids and teens with autism.

"Everyone on the force shares the same dedication and passion to serving their community that I do," said the rookie cop. "At least, that's what I think. Before I left I said, 'Take care and if you ever need us again Ryan, I'm glad you know the number.'"