It was just before 8:00 a.m. on December 22nd, 2018, when MCTS Driver Irena Ivic saw something shocking in front of her bus.

Advertisement MCTS driver rescues lost barefoot baby from freeway overpass It was just before 8:00 a.m. on December 22nd, 2018, when MCTS Driver Irena Ivic saw something shocking in front of her bus. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

For what a Milwaukee County Transit System official said was the ninth time in recent years, an alert driver found and rescued a lost or missing child. This time, the child was a barefoot baby girl, found wandering alone on an overpass on the city's near south side. "Baby was so scared and cried, and didn't know what to do, where to go," the driver, Irina Ivic, recalled Thursday of her discovery on the morning of Dec. 22 as she drove her bus near South 4th and West Mitchell Streets. Security video from the bus shows Ivic pulling over and running across the busy street, her arms outstretched to stop oncoming traffic, to rescue the child and get her to warmth and safety. Back on the bus, Ivic called dispatch for help while a passenger gave up her coat to warm the child who was clothed in only a onesie. Firefighters, officers and transit security personnel who responded found the baby cold but otherwise unharmed. Police said the girl had been left outside by his mother who may have been suffering from a mental health issue. The child was reunited with her father. "That's the sort of human impulse we should be celebrating and encouraging," Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said during a commendation ceremony to thank Ivic for her quick actions. Ivic, who immigrated to Milwaukee 12 years ago from Serbia, said she was a teacher back in her native country and has a natural fondness for children. "I have my children too," she said. "And if I find myself in the same situation again, I will, of course, help again. Always."