One-year-old 'miracle baby' rescued by trucker after spending two days alone at the side of a highway

A one-year-old "miracle baby" survived for two days before being found crawling along the side of a highway.

On Tuesday (July 9), Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were called after a truck driver spotted an infant on I-10 eastbound near mile marker 10 in Vinton, Louisiana, according to a press release.

Authorities had been searching for the unnamed baby after his four-year-old brother was found deceased in a lake behind a motorway service station near the Texas state line on Monday (July 8).

Investigators were informed that the child had last been seen on Saturday (July 6) with his 25-year-old mother, Aaliyah N. Jack. She was located in Mississippi, without the baby, and taken into custody by the Meridian Police Department.

Aaliyah Jack was arrested by police. Credit: Mississippi law enforcement

Fearing the one-year-old was dead, police officers prepared to search the water where their brother was discovered. Then a passerby called 911 after spotting the baby, who was then taken to a local hospital and in stable condition.

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Gary “Stitch” Guillory said during a press conference on July 9 that the infant was a "miracle baby because he was still alive... unbelievable,” per a video shared by the Associated Press.

As Hurricane Beryl hit east Texas early on Monday, the search for the child played out amid the heavy rain and high wind gusts.

“This kid spent two days out in the weather on the side of the highway,” a teary-eyed Guillory continued. “Thank God that trucker seen him.”

Autopsy reports were pending on the four-year-old, Guillory revealed during a news conference.

The mother of the children was charged with failure to report a missing child, and Judge Tony Fazzio issued a $300,000 warrant set bond. She is awaiting extradition to Louisiana.

“This is a tragic incident our detectives are currently investigating,” the news release stated. “Fortunately, we were able to locate the one-year-old, who was taken to a local hospital to be checked out. He is now safe and in the care of authorities. We understand the community’s concern and are committed to ensuring justice for the children involved.

"CPSO detectives are actively working to gather all the information and details surrounding this case and the death of the four-year-old. We will dedicate all necessary resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Our hearts go out to the family members of these two children,” Guillory added.

Kayla Vincent, a spokeswoman for the sheriff, disclosed no other charges were pending and that the investigation was continuing. The coroner will determine the four-year-old's cause of death.

Featured image credit: Matthew D White / Getty