Marion Police Officer Nicholas McPike is feeling grateful for being at the “right place at the right time” to save a child from nearly drowning in the Mississinewa River in late July. McPike is a School Resource Officer at Frances Slocum Elementary where he has since visited the 9‑year-old boy.
On the evening of July 28th, 2022, McPike was called to the Mississinewa River at Ballard Field along with other first responders on the report of a non-verbal autistic child struggling in the middle of the river. McPike recalled, “When I arrived, I could tell it looked dangerous and asked God’s angels to protect me and the boy. Once I jumped in the water, I noticed I could touch the ground. God had put my feet on solid ground.” McPike had safely walked the boy back to shore with the assistance of Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy Jalen Ward.
Marion Police Chief Angela Haley expressed, “Officer McPike took action without hesitation from the moment he exited the vehicle. His actions that day prevented a tragedy by saving a life while honoring the oath he took.”
McPike offered advice to help prevent such an incident in the future. “When an autistic child wanders off, check bodies of water. They are attracted to water and usually love to explore and play in it.”
McPike joined MPD in February of 2018. He serves on the Emergency Response Team, and is serving his second year as president of the local Fraternal Order of Police.