Sheriff’s deputy helps woman deliver healthy baby girl on Florida highway side

A Florida sheriff’s deputy jumped in to help deliver a baby on the side of a highway after an expectant mother went into labor while traveling in the car.

Dramatic body camera video released by the sheriff’s office captured the miraculous roadside delivery in Plant City on Sunday.

The baby’s driver and father Luis Lopez panicked and approached Hillsborough County Deputy Superintendent Daniel “Red” Jones, explaining that his wife was about to go into labor and her waters had broken.

Jones called Hillsborough County Fire Rescue for on-site support at the shoulder of Highway 60, but the baby was waiting for no one.

Without hesitation he jumped into welfare and within minutes a healthy baby girl was born. The baby is the woman’s sixth child, and she’s the third child Jones has helped deliver since joining the sheriff’s office in 2001.

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Luis Lopez is pictured with his wife and new baby daughter Lexela Luis Lopez. He said he is grateful for Jones and the safe delivery of his child

Jones encouraged the woman during labor and sometimes made her laugh. When he asked if this was her first baby, the mother replied that this was her sixth.

‘Six? Woo, you all need a better hobby,” Jones said, which made the mother chuckle.

The deputy continued to provide “ongoing encouragement and emotional support,” while also using his training to ensure it was a safe delivery, according to a press release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“Okay, look at me, look at me,” Jones is heard to say to the woman. “Breathe on, okay, mom. Breathe.’

Paramedics arrived on scene a short time later and transported the mother and baby to a nearby hospital for further examination and care.

Jones, who has been with the sheriff’s office since December 2001, allowed the woman to grab his hand and offered words of encouragement as he helped deliver the baby on the side of the road

The deputy continued to provide “ongoing encouragement and emotional support,” while also using his training to ensure it was a safe delivery, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

Paramedics arrived on scene a short time later and transported the mother and baby to a nearby hospital for examination and further care. The parents named the baby Lexela Luis Lopez

The baby’s father told Bay of Tampa 10 that he is grateful for Jones and the safe delivery of his child.

“I want to thank the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Department for the wonderful officers who helped us deliver our baby girl on Highway 60,” Lopez said. “Thanks also to the fire department and the EMS team for doing a great job there.”

Meanwhile, Jones said he was thrilled to help welcome this baby girl into the world and even recommended naming the baby “Red,” the sheriff’s office said in the press release.

However, Lopez said they named the baby Lexela Luis Lopez. Both mother and baby are doing well, officials said.

Best known in Hillsborough County as “Red,” Jones has been with the sheriff’s office since 2001 and once had an active rodeo cowboy career from the ages of 15-21.

The mother and baby were transported to a nearby hospital, where they are both doing well

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office praised Jones for his prompt action.

“I am extremely proud of Master Deputy Jones’ prompt actions and dedication to serving our community in any capacity,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.

“This is the third time he has helped a civilian deliver a baby! Although giving birth in the front seat of a car wasn’t the original birth plan, Chief Deputy Jones assured the mother of six that she was in good hands.

“I wish mom, dad and their new baby all the joy and happiness. Congratulations!’

Jones, who is best known in Hillsborough County as “Red,” is also a proud local small business owner and once had an active rodeo cowboy career from the ages of 15-21.

He is an active Patrol Master Deputy and won HCSO’s Distinguished Service Award in 2012 and a Life Saving Award in 2021.