Police officer who saved missing baby said: ‘It was just mothers’ instinct’

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — It was a heart-warming scene. A. 2 month old baby returned to his mother After a frantic Amber Alert sparked a massive search across Ohio.

Columbus officers rescued the baby and gave him a gentle touch, too. Emotions were high and fear was intense.

Two-month-old Caius Burris was reported missing from Fairfield County. Deputies were searching for the baby boy and his 27-year-old father.

An intense search across Ohio led Columbus officers to a southeast apartment complex, where they found the boy.

WSYX cameras recorded officers comforting 2-month-old Caius Burris and even giving him a bottle.

For officers Krystal Mori and Jason Ellsesser, this is a moment they will never forget.

“It was a good feeling. It was a happy ending, knowing that the child was safe, that he was going to go back to where he belonged. We had this idea that my father would probably hurt himself and give birth to the child. So our real concern was, ‘Where is this child?’ for me,” Mori said.

“Someone who wants to harm themselves is not in their right mind. So let’s get the kid and we can worry about everything else later,” Ellsesser said.

The duo, who are both parents themselves, spoke exclusively to WSYX. The two discussed the tense moments during the call, as well as the delicate touch they provided afterwards.

“It was definitely nice to know the baby was safe, and it turned out he needed something at that moment. He was upset, he was crying, he was screaming. We wanted to make sure he was fed, changed, and taken care of.” said Mori.

“He had been gone for a while, so we didn’t know when he last had his diaper changed, when he last ate, and I thought he was being held back, so we said, Ellsesser, I’m going to use options B and C, which is, ‘He needs to eat and his diaper needs to be changed.’ “So I went to Giant Eagle and bought some diapers and food,” she said.

While they work in a job filled with stress and danger, both said moments like these truly reflect what it means to serve the community.

“It was just mothers’ instinct. Take care of a crying child, love him and love him until his mother comes,” Mori said.

The baby’s father, Russell Burris, was later arrested and faces domestic violence charges.

For Mori and Ellsesser, reuniting baby Caius with his mother is an image they will always remember. For them, it is a reminder of their passion for helping others.