Newton County Teen Honored With Lifesaving Award After Heroic Rescue

Photos Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office.

A local teenager is being hailed as a hero after his quick thinking and courageous actions helped save the lives of two young children following a serious vehicle crash earlier this month.

On Tuesday, Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard presented Gideon Robinson with the Citizen Lifesaving Award — the highest civilian recognition awarded by the Sheriff’s Office — in honor of his bravery during a crash that occurred on July 7, 2025, near the Newton-Jasper County line on U.S. Highway 190.

According to the Sheriff, the single-vehicle crash happened just outside Gideon’s home. Upon hearing the impact, Gideon immediately ran to the scene and discovered an unconscious driver behind the wheel. He sprinted to his grandmother’s nearby home and instructed her to call 911. But he didn’t stop there.

Returning to the vehicle, Gideon noticed two small children trapped in the back seat as smoke began filling the interior. With no time to spare, he located a shovel in the yard and used it to break out the rear window, successfully pulling the children from the vehicle to safety before first responders arrived.

“Gideon is a true hero,” said Sheriff Havard. “I know many adults who wouldn’t have acted as swiftly and bravely as he did. His actions absolutely deserve recognition.”

Surrounded by law enforcement, family, and proud community members, Gideon received the plaque during a special presentation Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Havard personally thanked him for his actions, emphasizing that lives were likely saved because of his immediate response.