2 LAPD Officers Hailed As Heroes For Saving Child Choking On Piece Of Jewelry

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —   Two LAPD Officers are being called heroes after saving the life of a child who was choking on a piece of jewelry.

Last Thursday, around 10:45 p.m., Officer Kenneth Osteen and Christian Marroquin were on patrol near the 1600 block of East 32nd Street, when they were approached by a woman who was desperately seeking help.

She was outside waiting for an ambulance when the officers happened by.

"My baby is choking!" the woman screamed as the officers rushed to a nearby residence and saw the child's father holding a 1-and-a-half- year-old in his arms.

The child, gasping for air, was in crisis as family members gathered and began to panic.

As Osteen requested an ambulance, Marroquin, relying upon the officer first aid training he received, turned the child over on his stomach and applied direct pressure to the baby's back. The officer's actions caused an earring to dislodge from the child's throat and the infant began to breathe normally.

LAFD paramedics arrived on scene and treated the child, little Julian.

The parents believe the officers' quick and decisive action saved little Julian's life.

KCAL9's Erica Nochlin spoke to the grateful family and the police officers Sunday evening when they reunited.

Julian found the earring when his mom went to the restroom and soon he couldn't breathe.

"I happened to see the officers, they were patrolling in the area so I went as fast as I can to tell them my son was choking," said Liliana Bahena.

"She was visibly distraught and was informing us that her baby was unable to breathe and turning blue," said Marroquin.

The officers followed and sprung into action.

"I'm really, really grateful for what they did. There's no words to express how grateful I am towards them," said Bahena.

"We're just fortunate we were at the right place at the right time," said Marroquin.

"Just happy the little boy is okay," said Osteen.

Julian's family said no gift felt grand enough but they gave the officers a card and some kind words.

"They're heroes in my opinion," said Bahena.