ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Two 20-month-old twins were pulled from a locked car outside an Albuquerque bar after being left there for roughly two and a half hours, according to police. Officers broke a window to reach the boys, who were sweaty and clearly overheated when they were found.

Security guards at the Dirty Bourbon spotted the children in the back seat and called Albuquerque police. After the rescue, the boys were turned over to family members, according to the Children, Youth and Families Department.

How the Rescue Unfolded

Body camera video shows officers moving quickly once they reached the car. They shattered a window, unbuckled the toddlers from their seats and carried them to safety as they checked on their condition. One officer could be heard noting how drenched one child was from sweat.

Police said the children had been strapped into car seats and left in the vehicle while the adults were inside the bar. The call came in early Saturday morning, after guards realized the boys had been alone in the car for a prolonged period. The fast response from the security team and officers likely made an enormous difference in a situation that could have become far worse.

For families, the scene is a reminder of how quickly a warm car can become dangerous, especially for very young children who cannot get help on their own.

What Officers Say Happened

According to police, Stephen Natseway told officers he left the twins in the car because he wanted some time to himself. He said he knew the children were there, expected to be gone only briefly, and then stayed longer than planned while people kept dancing with him inside the bar.

Natseway also told officers he tried to find relatives to watch the boys, but no one was available. He was arrested after the children were removed from the vehicle. Police also arrested Orry Morris, who had driven to the bar with Natseway, on a related charge involving the unattended children.

Officers later said they were struck by how little concern Natseway showed during the encounter. Their account underscores why child safety checks matter so much when adults are responsible for toddlers, especially in a parked car.

Why The Story Stuck With People

At the center of this episode is a fortunate ending: the twins were found in time and were placed with relatives afterward. In situations like this, the quick eye of a security guard and the rapid work of first responders can change everything for children who are too young to protect themselves.

The rescue also highlights the importance of neighbors, staff and bystanders who speak up when something looks wrong. A simple call for help can bring police to the scene before a dangerous situation turns into a tragedy.

For many parents and caregivers, the story is a sobering reminder that even a short stop can feel much longer to a child left in a car. In this case, alert workers and officers helped make sure two little boys made it back to their family.

Real, uplifting stories from across America – GCHS Eagle's Eye.