Police Rescue Kids Holding Handwritten ‘HELP US’ Note at Window of Florida Home
Andre Janard Smithson’s mugshot; the handwritten ‘HELP’ signCredit: Osceola County Jail; Kissimmee Police/X
Florida police arrested Andre Janard Smithson on Oct. 26 at a Florida property after spotting a child at the home’s window holding a handwritten ’ HELP US ’ note
The children escaped safely while Smithson was distracted before he surrendered peacefully to officers
SWAT, crisis negotiators and a drone assisted police in the rescue, they confirmed in a Nov. 10 statement
A handwritten message helped Florida police rescue children.
Andre Janard Smithson, 33, was arrested and charged with false imprisonment and an outstanding active warrant after officers with the Kissimmee Police Department arrived at a home in the Flora Ridge community on Oct. 26, according to online records viewed by PEOPLE and WKMG.
The ‘Help’ sign held at a window by a childCredit: Kissimmee Police/X
Authorities were contacted after a child was seen standing in a window holding up a handwritten note that read, “HELP US.”
The Kissimmee Police Department shared a photo of the child and their sign to social media on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
PEOPLE reached out to the Kissimmee Police Department for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
It is not immediately known how many children were in the residence, their ages, or how long they had been requesting help, but in a statement, the department referred to the incident as a domestic disturbance.
Andre Janard Smithson police noticeCredit: Kissimmee Police/X
Police also did not disclose the children’s relationship to Smithson.
“The children were able to safely escape the residence while Smithson was distracted. With assistance from the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). Smithson eventually surrendered peacefully,” police said.
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A drone was also used to assess the situation and locate the children hiding in one room.
“It’s heartbreaking for the kids,” Jonathan Chapman, who lives nearby, told WKMG during an interview. “I just looked through the balcony and saw the cops.”
William Cosme, who travels through the area frequently, added, “It’s a shame that it had to get to that point.”
It is not immediately known if Smithson has an attorney.
Source: Crime
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