NJ police officer helps autistic boy find teddy bear

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A Woodbridge, New Jersey police officer put his autism response training into action when he helped 'rescue' a lost teddy bear.

Ryan Paul, 12, was clearly upset when he called 91-1- on Saturday, said Woodbridge Police. He briefly spoke with a dispatcher before hanging up. The dispatcher called back and learned that everything was OK except that Ryan was distraught.

Police Officer Khari Manzini, who joined the force in January, responded to the call. He searched Ryan's room with him until they found the stuffed animal.

Ryan's dad took to Facebook to thank the officer.

"I'd like to thank the officer who responded for his kindness and understanding, even posing for a picture with the "offender", as well as the 9-1-1 operator who called back to make sure everything was ok. I'm glad that we have such a fine and caring police department."

"He did what he was supposed to do," said Woodbridge Chief of Law Enforcement Scott Kuzma.