Caught on camera: Texas cop saves little girl from choking

ROWLETT, Texas -- A police officer in Rowlett, Texas saved the life of a toddler who was found not breathing and turning blue after swallowing a coin, reports CBS Dallas-Fort Worth.

Officer Patrick Ray was wearing a body-camera when he was dispatched to help 22-month-old Bexley Norvell who was unresponsive.

"When I looked at her, I just saw these big, blue eyes looking at me. It was almost like she was telling me, 'I know you're here to help me,'" said Officer Ray to CBS Dallas-Fort Worth.

The officer spent a few moments trying to clear the little girl's throat, and then came the noise he was hoping for. Bexley started to cry and began breathing again.

"Today could be the day I was picking out a casket for my little girl. Every parent's nightmare, I could be living it right now," said Tammy Norvell, the mother of the victim.

Tammy Norvell told CBS Dallas-Fort Worth that the X-rays from the hospital revealed that Bexley had swallowed a small coin.

"I won't ever forget this man and I told his wife, you know I'm going to think of your husband every single day for the rest of my life and I hope she's okay with that," said Tammy Norvell.

Officer Ray has two small children of his own. He said all he could think about during the frantic moments was his own family.

"What makes it special is from here on out, I get to see her grow up," said Officer Ray.

Doctors said Bexley is fine and will naturally pass the coin from her body soon. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reports that once it is out and heavily cleaned, the family plans to make a necklace out of the coin.