WWAY speaks with grateful father and life saving deputy of choking child

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A story of being in the right place at the right time. 

A choking baby was saved by a sheriff’s deputy. WWAY spoke with that deputy and the baby’s grateful father on Thursday. 

“I was in tears, I was scared, panicking,” Father of the choking child, David Canup, said. 

David Canup recalled Wednesday and the moment he was driving with his 11-month-old son, Chase, on Hwy. 17 when he knew his baby was in trouble. 

“All of a sudden I hear him choking and gagging. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and got him out of the seat,” Canup said. 

Deputy Quisto Moore with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office was on his way to another call Wednesday morning, when he noticed the distressed father on the side of the road in Leland. 

“I have two boys. One’s four, the other one’s two and the only thing I can see is my youngest in that same situation,” Deputy Moore said. 

Canup says Deputy Moore quickly took charge and immediately began helping. It appeared that Chase was choking on his own vomit. 

“He didn’t hesitate, ya know, to just assure me that everything was gonna be alright and at the end, it was ok. I’m thankful for that,” Canup said. 

He said more than anything, he’s thankful that this scary situation had a positive ending. He said if it wasn’t for Deputy Moore, things could’ve ended badly. 

“There’s absolutely no thanks needed. It’s a part of the job. Anyone of my coworkers would’ve stopped and helped also,” Deputy Moore said. 

Deputy Moore also called an ambulance to make sure the 11-month-old was ok. 

“We got him to New Hanover Hospital, got him checked out, and everything is fine. I really couldn’t even say thank you enough to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office,” Canup said. 

Deputy Moore said his service goes beyond enforcing the law. He said he will always jump into action if it means saving someone’s life.