2-Year-Old Boy Rescued From Claw Machine After Climbing Inside to Play

Cooper King became trapped inside the machine at a Missouri recreation center while his mom briefly looked away

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A 2-year-old boy named Cooper King climbed inside a claw machine at the Soccer Dome in Webster Groves, Missouri, on February 7th. His mother, Meg King, had briefly looked away when Cooper started pretending to play with the machine, and was shocked to find he had actually climbed inside and become trapped. Emergency responders were called, and it took someone with a key from the vending company to finally free Cooper from the machine.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the curiosity and adventurous nature of young children, as well as the need for constant supervision to prevent such accidents. It also showcases the quick response of emergency services and the community to rescue the trapped toddler.

The details

According to Meg King, she had glanced away for about 15 seconds when Cooper, who was pretending to play with the claw machine, actually climbed inside. King tried to guide him on how to get back out, but Cooper just shook his head. Police and firefighters were called, but they were unable to free Cooper until someone from the vending company arrived with a key to open the machine.

  • On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Cooper King climbed into the claw machine at the Soccer Dome in Webster Groves, Missouri.

The players

Cooper King

A 2-year-old boy who climbed inside a claw machine at a recreation center in Missouri.

Meg King

Cooper's mother, who briefly looked away when Cooper started pretending to play with the claw machine, only to find he had actually climbed inside.

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What they’re saying

“If anyone knew my son Cooper, they would totally understand that he would do something like this.”

— Meg King, Cooper's mother (First Alert 4)

“I literally glanced over there. He was pretending to play with the claw machine. I looked away for, I would say, maybe 15 seconds.”

— Meg King, Cooper's mother (First Alert 4)

“We were like 'Cooper, try to go back down,' and he was just shaking his head.”

— Meg King, Cooper's mother (First Alert 4)

What’s next

The incident is still under investigation, but no charges are expected to be filed against Meg King or the Soccer Dome.

The takeaway

This story serves as a reminder for parents to maintain constant vigilance, even for brief moments, to prevent young children from getting into potentially dangerous situations. It also highlights the importance of quick-thinking emergency response and community support in resolving such unexpected incidents.