Child Accidentally Locks Car, Leaving Siblings Inside on Scoring Hot Day. Dad Punches Window Open to Save Them

A father’s heroic act in Florida has garnered attention after he risked injury to rescue his young children who were unintentionally locked inside their family truck. Dominique Woods’ actions on Sunday, June 21, have since underscored the crucial importance of child safety in vehicles, especially as temperatures soared to 94 degrees Fahrenheit.

The family had just finished attending church and stopped at a Walmart in Port St. Lucie to buy supplies for a Father’s Day cookout when the incident occurred. According to Woods’ wife, a four-year-old sibling exited the truck by sliding over the seats to his father’s side, inadvertently pressing the lock button as he closed the door. This mishap left the couple’s three-year-old and one-year-old trapped inside, along with the keys to the vehicle.

Seeing his children in distress, Woods made his way to the back of the truck, only to find that door locked as well. He described the scene to a local news outlet, noting the panic his children experienced: “She was freaking out, the baby was crying, and I know she just wanted us to come in there and get her,” he recalled. With temperatures rising and the children showing signs of distress, Woods knew he had to act swiftly.

In a moment of desperation, he resorted to a drastic measure. “I thought to myself, my fist will work, probably,” he said, recalling how he punched through the window. Woods managed to reach inside the vehicle through the shattered glass and unlock the door, enabling the children to escape in less than two minutes. Fortunately, they emerged unharmed, albeit shaken by the ordeal.

Emergency services arrived shortly after the rescue, but Woods had sustained significant injuries to his hand and arm from breaking the window. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment of his cuts. Reflecting on his actions, he acknowledged that while waiting for help might have been wise, he was motivated by the need to secure his children’s safety immediately. “After everything, my kids are okay, I’m okay, and that’s all that really matters,” he told reporters.

Woods’ family has since set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to cover the costs associated with the ambulance ride, emergency care, and the replacement of the truck’s window. The fundraiser has expressed their gratitude for the safe return of their children, highlighting the heightened risks associated with child safety in vehicles.

This incident has echoed larger concerns about child safety in vehicles, particularly in Florida. According to a report from Kids and Car Safety, Florida ranks second in the nation for child hot car deaths from 1990 to 2025. This statistic serves as a stark reminder for parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety of children when exiting or entering vehicles.

In the wake of this frightening incident, the Woods family is not only thankful for the outcome but also hopeful that their story will resonate with other parents. They aim to raise awareness about the potential dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for a brief moment. The local community has rallied around them in support through the fundraising efforts as they navigate the aftermath of this near-tragic event.

As the family recovers together, they are keenly aware of the fragility of safety and the lengths a parent will go to protect their children. Woods’ quick thinking undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of his young children, allowing them to return to their everyday routines with their father eagerly by their side.