VALDOSTA — Tyler Yelito is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a baby from a wrecked car. 

Yelito was heading to the YMCA last month when he came across a vehicle that had wrecked and flipped over on Gornto Road; he stopped to help, possibly saving the baby’s life, according to accounts. 

The wreck occurred by the Valdosta Mall around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20. 

“I thought it was fake at first,” Yelito said. “It is not something you see everyday.” 

Yelito described the events saying he saw the wreck and was one of the first people on the scene. 

“I parked my car and started running to the car. The lady who was driving the car was crawling out of the back window … She was screaming her baby was still in the vehicle,” he said. 

“I got on my back and crawled into the car and saw the baby in there choking on the handle of the car seat. I was able to get the baby out safely,” Yelito said. “I got cut up but I was fine. The baby was fine, she had a little cut on her forehead but the baby was safe.” 

Yelito said he left after giving a statement to the police and everyone seemed to be safe. 

When asked why he chose to help, he said, “I don’t know. I just saw somebody that needed help and something kicked in on me. I felt like I needed to do something. It felt good to help out a family and make sure everyone was safe.” 

Yelito has not spoken to the victims of the accident, saying they were being treated and he did not stick around long enough to even get their names. 

The Valdosta Police Department said it extends its gratitude for Yelito’s act of bravery.

Michael Praats is a reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229) 244-3400 ext. 1257.