US soldier, spouse recognized for quick thinking on Japanese city street

A U.S. soldier and an Army spouse were praised by Sagamihara police after they stopped traffic and moved a pajama-clad preschooler to safety; the child was returned to his family the same day.

A U.S. soldier and an Army spouse were honored after they helped a young child on a busy street in Sagamihara, Japan. The incident happened on Jan. 12 near the Sagami General Depot, about five miles from Camp Zama. The child was described as about 3 years old and was wearing pajamas when he was walking close to traffic. Local police later presented letters of appreciation to the two women at a ceremony. Details: - On Jan. 12 the women saw a preschool-age boy walking alone on a street in the Chuo ward of Sagamihara. - Sgt. Lindsey Ruiz of the 765th Transportation Terminal Battalion and Alejandra Binet stopped their car, signaled traffic to stop, and moved the boy to a safer area. - They took the child to a nearby gas station to get help with the language barrier and staff there contacted police. - The boy's parents had filed a missing-person report and police were searching when the child was found. - Sagamihara police returned the boy to his family the same day and presented letters of appreciation to Ruiz and Binet at a station ceremony. - The garrison posted photos of the presentation, and the women declined interview requests through a garrison spokesperson. Summary: The women’s quick actions removed the child from a dangerous situation and led to his reunion with his family; they were formally commended by local police. Undetermined at this time.