'Amazing To Hear Him Cry': Alexandria Officers Credited With Saving Baby's Life

ALEXANDRIA, VA — When officers arrived at an Alexandria apartment, a newborn baby wasn't breathing and didn't have a heartbeat. But with the life-saving actions of two officers, the welcome sound of the newborn crying filled the room.

Alexandria Police Officers Hiltz and Reilly had responded to a 911 call after midnight about the lifeless baby at an apartment in the 3800 block of Executive Avenue. According to police, an Alexandria woman suddenly gave birth, but the newborn was lifeless. Officers found the baby not breathing and without a heartbeat.

That's when Officer Hiltz's instincts and training came in. Hiltz began performing CPR while Reilly kept the baby's family calm. Hiltz found a pulse after two rounds of CPR, and the baby began to fuss and cry.

The responding EMS lieutenant credited the officers with saving baby Luis IV's life. Hiltz said in a statement via Alexandria Police that this kind of call made his job worthwhile.

"My entire focus was on making sure baby Luis was going to be okay," said Hiltz. "It felt amazing to hear him cry. In that moment all the stress and fear of the situation just left me."

Baby Luis IV had a short stay in the NICU and has returned home. The baby and mother are in good health, according to police. Hiltz and Reilly were able to reunite with the family a week later.

"You could just feel the excitement and pride of Mom and Dad," said Hiltz.