Florida Kids Rescued After Holding ‘HELP US’ Sign Up To Window, Police Use Drone To Locate Them Inside Home

Florida Kids Rescued After Holding ‘HELP US’ Sign Up To Window, Police Use Drone To Locate Them Inside Home

A handwritten “HELP US” sign led #Florida police to rescue several children from a home in Kissimmee.

According to authorities, officers responded to a residence in the Flora Ridge community on Oct. 26 after a child was spotted holding the desperate message up to a window. Police described the situation as a domestic disturbance involving 33-year-old Andre Janard Smithson, who was ultimately arrested and charged with false imprisonment. He also had an outstanding active warrant.

During the incident, officers used a drone to locate the children hiding inside a room. With assistance from #SWAT and crisis negotiators, authorities were able to safely resolve the situation after the children escaped while Smithson was distracted. He later surrendered peacefully.

Police have not disclosed how many children were involved, their ages, or their relationship to Smithson.