Search
> Media PoolMother says man who pulled her 3-year-old son from burning car is 'family' now
Clip ID 2472682
Clearance
Add to
Share
Add to Review Link
By Request
By Request assets are not available for immediate purchase.
This content has not been pre-checked for copyright.
Per clip rates are for 20 seconds of final usage. If you are using more then 20 seconds or need a different file format or have questions about clearances contact us
Description
It was two months ago today when a fiery car wreck left a 5-year-old girl dead and her 3-year-old brother seriously hurt.
The driver, the children's father, was arrested last week for DUI manslaughter, accused of being more than three times over the legal drinking limit.
That night, a courageous bystander jumped into action, enduring serious burns as he desperately tried to save both children.
In the days that followed, he became a pillar of support for their mother, and he, in turn, found strength in her.
Now, the pair tell 10 Tampa Bay they're family.
"I'm glad I was able to save Walker, but I wouldn't wish what I had to see of the decisions I had to make on anyone else's life," AJ Slater said.
AJ Slater may be Logan Deines' guardian angel — a bystander who pulled her son Walker from a burning wreck and did all he could to save her daughter, JoLynn, trapped in her car seat.
"I just started talking to her and I said, 'It's ok baby,' I said, 'I'm going to get you out, it's ok,' and at that time, the roof just dropped down on my hands," AJ recalled.
AJ received multiple surgeries for his burns, and as he recovered, he received a visit from Logan in the hospital.
Logan Deines said, "I just wanted to hug him and say thank you and as soon as I did he said, 'I'm so sorry.'"
AJ explained, "My family was out of town, out of state, and she basically came in and picked me up and became my family instantly."
Since then, the pair said they've spoken daily and leaned on each other as they recover emotionally and physically.
It's a bond that, over the last few months, has extended to 3-year-old Walker.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/man-pulls-3-year-old-form-burning-car-florida/67-fafe593c-afb1-4f4d-bb9f-b3fbff75df76
Station
WTSP
Keywords
Related Footage

Criminal charges dropped for Lakeland man violently arrested by police
Criminal charges dropped for Lakeland man violently arrested by police
00:01:19 - Youtube video: hR6t8OhMnfU

Auburndale sergeant demoted for involvement in speeding crash that killed 5-year-old girl
Auburndale sergeant demoted for involvement in speeding crash that killed 5-year-old girl
00:00:42 - Youtube video: uozu1YJCnWg

Polk County deputies identify victim in decades-old cold case
Polk County deputies identify victim in decades-old cold case
00:01:05 - Youtube video: 7Jv-N1US8cA

Well over a year after his violent arrest, charges against Lakeland man dropped
Well over a year after his violent arrest, charges against Lakeland man dropped
00:02:42 - Youtube video: JRk-vOZuGs8

Police continue searching home of missing woman Tonya Whipp's boyfriend
Police continue searching home of missing woman Tonya Whipp's boyfriend
00:00:49 - Youtube video: QKN5g-JySzc

Sheriff: Haines City police officer shoots suspect
Sheriff: Haines City police officer shoots suspect
00:00:37 - Youtube video: LDhNQGFy02c

Polk County school bus attendant arrested for felony child abuse
Polk County school bus attendant arrested for felony child abuse
00:01:02 - Youtube video: C3mdrGtpWuY

Vigil to be held tonight for missing Tampa woman
Vigil to be held tonight for missing Tampa woman
00:00:36 - Youtube video: NP9XN0bqE6I