Watch: Cop rescues toddler who ran into traffic on busy highway

The video has been shared 825 times and has been viewed by over 74,000 people.

An officer with Naperville Police department in the United States has earned praises after he was caught on camera rescuing a toddler, who ran into traffic on a busy highway.

The video has been shared 825 times and has been viewed by over 74,000 people. (Screengrab)

The little boy, who “escaped his mother’s watchful eye”, was spotted by Sgt Anthony Mannino who ran after him and rescued him.

In the minute-long video posted by Naperville Police department on its Facebook page, the child can be seen running along the highway as trucks and other vehicles whiz by. The footage is from Route 59 and was captured in May.

The police officer is seen pulling over, obstructing the traffic with his squad car and running behind the child. After a few seconds, Mannino catches up with the toddler and carries him to safety. The boy was eventually reunited with his mother.

The officer was presented the department’s Life Saving Award on June 7 for his heroic actions and quick thinking.