In a whirlwind of events, White’s mom, DaMarria Dotson, started the car, placed her child in the back seat, briefly stepped inside her home to retrieve something, only to return outside and find the vehicle missing.
Fortunately, the separation was brief, and Dotson was quickly informed of her son’s whereabouts. “Somebody called me and told me he was found, and I told them to tell me where the location was, and I made it there in a matter of eight minutes,” Dotson recounted to KARE11.
While some possessions were lost in the incident, including money and important documents, Dotson emphasized that the paramount outcome was being reunited with her child.
Gusse played a crucial role in facilitating the swift reunion between mother and child within a mere three hours. Despite being a grandmother of nine, she humbly dismissed the notion of heroism, stating, “Honey, I’m no hero. I’m just a grandmother.”
However, Gusse’s community held a different view, leading to the official declaration of Barbara Gusse Day by Mayor Jacob Frey on February 9th. In a video posted on Frey’s official Facebook page capturing the proclamation ceremony, Gusse received a plaque acknowledging her actions.
Frey expressed his gratitude, describing Gusse as “a bright spot in a dark day” and commending her for her everyday heroism. John Elder, the spokesman for the Minneapolis Police Department, also lauded Gusse’s alertness and willingness to assist, stating that her actions were “beyond appreciated.”
By bringing an end to the distressing ordeal for the Da’Merion family, Gusse transformed a terrifying day into a heartwarming one