A police officer spotted a little boy — no older than three — walking along the edge of a highway in torn, filthy clothes.

The child looked utterly exhausted, as if he’d been surviving outdoors for days. His tiny hands and face were covered in scratches, his steps slow and unsteady. Cars rushed past one after another, but no one stopped. He was completely alone.

When the officer noticed him, his first thought was that the boy might be homeless. He immediately pulled over, got out of his patrol car, and carefully approached the child.

“Hey, little guy… who are you? Where are your mom and dad?” he asked gently, crouching down to meet the boy’s eyes.