Toddler rescued from luggage system at Newark airport, returned to Staten Island family

Newark Liberty International Airport

The exterior of Newark Liberty International Airport, Terminal A, is seen in this May 6, 2025 photo. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island family is counting their blessings and giving thanks to Port Authority police, after officers rescued their toddler from the luggage system at Newark Liberty International Airport.

It was around 6:30 p.m. on May 28, when officers assigned to Terminal A were alerted that a 2-year-old boy had gained access to a conveyor belt at the JetBlue ticketing counter.

Officers with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey responded and located the uninjured child in the checked baggage room on the lower level.

Emergency Medical Services were requested as a precaution, and the child’s parents declined further medical attention.

The family successfully flew to Tampa, Florida, for vacation, according to the child’s grandfather, who expressed his gratitude to the responding officers, PIX 11 reported.

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Port Authority Police stand guard inside Newark Liberty International Airport, terminal A in this May 6 photo.Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

The child had made his way onto the belt while the mother was speaking with an agent at the counter. The belt was positioned next to and behind the counter, according to the outlet.

Officers within earshot responded.

“There was a split in the belts” down the chute, Port Authority Police union president Frank Conti told PIX 11.

“One officer went toward one direction, one went toward the other direction. One of them was able to observe the child.”

They grabbed the boy just before he reached the X-ray units.

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