HUDSON, N.Y., Dec. 17 (UPI) — Police in New York broke into a parked car to rescue an “extremely realistic” mannequin they believed to be an elderly woman.
A “very upset” citizen called Hudson police at 8:30 a.m. Friday to report an elderly woman who appeared to have “frozen to death” inside of a parked car, the Times Union reported.
Officers arrived to find the woman unresponsive and wearing an oxygen mask in the passenger seat of the snow-covered car and broke into the vehicle through the passenger side window after assessing the car had been parked there overnight.
Upon entering the vehicle officers discovered the woman was actually a life-sized CPR training mannequin complete with detailed blemishes as well as clothes, glasses, teeth and shoes, CBS New York reported.
The “incredulous” owner eventually arrived at the scene, saying he occasionally transports the mannequin in a manner resembling a passenger and was upset that officers broke into his vehicle.
“It is my understanding that the owner was incredulous that we took action in this matter,” Police Chief L. Edward Moore said. “He apparently was quite vocal and vulgar to my sergeant.”
No charges were filed in the case and police thanked the residents who showed concern while also providing a warning to anyone planning to store a mannequin in the passenger sear of their car.
“Just to clear the record, all citizens of Hudson should be put on notice that if you park your locked vehicle on the street on a sub-zero night with a life-size realistic mannequin seated in it…we will break your window,” Moore said. “I commend everyone who responded with the intentions to help an elderly woman.”
