Massachusetts

Peabody Driver Rescues Toddler Found on Busy Street

A Peabody, Massachusetts, driver was in disbelief Friday morning after finding a toddler in the middle of Lowell Street.

Joann Cronin slammed on her brakes and jumped out of her car in order to rescue the 2-year-old. Police said she brought the child to the Lowell Street Sunoco station, where an employee called authorities.

"You don't think, you just act," said Cronin. "I just ran out and grabbed her ... I wasn't a hero, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time"

Peabody Police Capt. Dennis Bonaiuto said responding officers determined the child wandered out into the street after opening a door in the Watch-A-Tot day care center, located at 486 Lowell St., shortly after being dropped off there.

The toddler was picked up by her mother following the incident. Police notified state day care licensing officials and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) following the incident.

"The Department of Children and Families received a report and is investigating." a DCF representative said in a statement Friday.

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