April 10th, 2025. Click on the image above to view a video capturing the heartwarming rescue and reunion between the deputy and the family involved in the incident. For those in watching a version without captions or accessing audio clips featuring BSO Pompano Beach Deputy Andrew Alencar and the family members present, during the rescue click on the respective links provided. Additionally there is an option to view footage of the entire rescue operation by clicking on another link above. On a Thursday evening, in March around 6 p.m. a grandmother and her two year old granddaughter were exiting a nearby Walmart when their car unexpectedly careened into a canal nearby.The terrifying moment of feeling their car sinking rapidly and seeing water levels rise was quickly followed by relief as they noticed a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy rushing to their rescue.A call was made to Broward County Regional Communications that afternoon reporting an incident where a vehicle had entered a canal in the parking lot of Walmart on 3001 N State Road 7 in Lauderdale Lakes. After completing an assignment, in the Pompano Beach District Deputy Andrew Alencar received an urgent call and quickly headed to the scene of the emergency. Upon arrival he noticed a sinking vehicle with a woman and a baby inside. Feeling the urgency of the situation Deputy Alencar wasted no time. Took immediate action to rescue them.Audrey Villieres shifted to the seat with her two year old granddaughter named Ameika Brown as the car began to sink rapidly underwater.”Their expressions showed shock ” mentioned Deputy Alencar as he recalled the intense moment.”The vehicle was descending swiftly and in that moment I concentrated on my immediate actions ” he added.With an awareness of time being of the essence ” Deputy Alencar wasted no time and promptly plunged into the canal to swim towards them. “When I got to the car and saw the child inside but couldn’t reach them ” Deputy Alencar explained how he broke the window with a window plunger to rescue the child in distress. “After I held the baby in my arms and realized I couldn’t touch the ground ” he recounted how he lifted the baby above his head as he navigated through the water to safety. After ensuring that the child was out of harms way on ground Deputy Alencar swiftly went back into the water to rescue the grandmother. “I returned to pry open the door and bring her out before swimming her to safety ” shared Deputy Alencar. The Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue team present at the scene helped both grandmother and granddaughter who were understandably shaken but in good health post their ordeal. Upon investigation on it was suggested that a mechanical issue, with the vehicle might have led to the accident occurring. The sheriffs deputy was taken to a hospital for treatment after swallowing canal water and sustaining minor cuts; however his thoughts were consumed by the well being of the infant he had rescued; “As I emerged from the water and headed towards my car I couldn’t shake off the concern, for the baby. ‘Hows the baby doing?’ I kept asking.” Two weeks later Deputy Alencars question was finally answered when he reunited with the family he had rescued at the accident site. He was accompanied by his grandmother and granddaughter along with Sheree Linton who’s the childs mother and Dabria Moulton who is the childs sister. It was a heartwarming moment for everyone involved. Villieres recalled the moment of the accident saying; “It was really frightening, for me but seeing him approach me brought such joy to my heart! I was holding the baby in my arms when he smashed through the glass to reach us; I handed him the baby. Then someone took her away momentarily before he returned.” “I’m really glad to see him ! I had no idea he was at the hospital ” Villieres exclaimed with concern in her voice and a sense of relief in her heart as she shared her gratitude, for his safety after an incident involving water rescuing him.”It was such a moment for Linton to meet the deputy who rescued both her mother and younger daughter ” she continued emotionally. She still recalls the time she found out they were both, at risk.” I was so scared I couldn’t catch my breath; I had to pull over for a moment ” Linton shared.” But then I collected myself and drove to Walmart ” she added with relief upon seeing her mother and daughter safe and sound. “I felt relief when I saw him at Walmart that day; if he hadn’t been there at that moment in time… I shudder to think about the alternative ” she expressed emotionally as she recounted the incident that occurred days ago but continues to haunt their family with thoughts of what might have transpired. “It’s all still so surreal; every morning I wake up questioning reality and wondering if it’s all a dream ” she added with a mix of disbelief and gratitude, in her voice. “They were fortunate to survive the accident by getting into the water ” recounted Moulton while reflecting on a scene often depicted in television dramas where individuals struggle to escape as their vehicle sinks underwater due to doors ” Two weeks later following the incident and come April 3rd the family expressed their gratitude, towards the deputy for his brave and selfless deeds.” Even though a deputys duty is to ensure safety and aid the community members in need of help and support them in situations; this family expresses their genuine appreciation for his actions without any sense of entitlement or expectation in return. “He was not on duty, at that moment but chose to act nonetheless based on his own values and compassion ” Moulton remarked admiringly about the deputys selfless act of kindness and bravery. Deputy Alencar stated that his decision was straightforward; “Prioritizing my role as a father over that of a deputy influences my actions within the community; I consider them as if I were aiding my family.” Linton now expresses a sense of appreciation towards Deputy Alencar; “We are truly grateful for him; his presence, at that moment was truly a blessing.”