Law enforcement in Tacoma, Washington, communicated using Morse code to rescue a man who had been trapped in his home for four days.
Sheriff's Deputy Carly Cappett said in the video that on Dec. 18, at 2:05 p.m., she received a welfare check call for a man who had not been heard from for four days. body camera footage A summary of the incident released by PCSD on Tuesday.
According to the video, two police officers arrived at the man's residence, knocked on the locked door and introduced themselves, adding that they were there to make a welfare check. (Related article: Woman trapped outside after trying to retrieve Apple Watch, authorities respond)
Deputies heard six knocks inside the home.
The officers went around the house and knocked again. The man — identified by one of the deputies as Steve — answered the knock.
Officers noticed the man communicating using Morse code.
“Hey, if you need help, can you give me two taps?'' one of the councilors said.
Two faucets came out from inside the house.
“Okay, so I need help! If yes, tap one. one lawmaker said.
The man tapped.
“Okay, yeah, he needs help,” said the other.
“Okay, we're about to get in there, okay?” one of the councilors said.
The door was closed and burglar-proofed, and deputies were reluctant to break the glass for fear of injuring the man. Most of the mansion's doors and windows were covered with security bars. Officers eventually broke down the front door and found the man still alive.
The man was found on the ground in the living room, Kapetto said. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital.
“This man told our deputies he collapsed four days ago and is waiting for someone to find him. He is lucky to have a friend who claimed his welfare check. '' Kapetto said.
PCSD praised the tenacity of the MPs.
“You never know when Morse code might save your life,” Kapetto said.
