Watch: NYC bus driver Steven St. Bernard catches 7-year-old girl after 3-story fall

(CBS) NEW YORK - A quick-thinking New York City bus driver is being praised as a hero after catching a 7-year-old girl who fell out of a third-floor window in Brooklyn.

Saleema McCree told WCBS-TV that her daughter Keyla is autistic and was supposed to be asleep in her bedroom at the time of the incident. But she apparently slipped out of the window and climbed onto the family's newly-installed air conditioner. Witnesses at the scene said she started dancing on top of the unit before falling.

The episode was caught on video.

"I heard somebody banging on the door, stating that my daughter was outside on the air conditioner, but I had no idea what was going on because I had my son," McCree said.

Steven St. Bernard was arriving home from work moments before Keyla fell.

"Basically she was dancing and I just - I was just praying that I would get there and that if she [fell] that I would catch her," he told WCBS.

"She was shocked, because she moaned a little bit," St. Bernard later told 1010 WINS.

The girl was transported to Coney Island Hospital, but suffered no major injuries. St. Bernard suffered a torn tendon in his hand.

"He has a heart, a very good heart -- kids, adults, anybody -- he would do anything for anybody," neighbor Jessica Aleman said of St. Bernard.

Police spoke with the girl's parents but determined that no charges would be filed in the incident.

[chainger]

This man is a Hero ...I hope he has medical so he can get
decent treatment for his arm the world should pitch in and
help him...

prob..not to many people would do this.. What a lovely human being!

[bigddog51]

tell everybody that indiegogo has a rundraiser for him

[BillDeMotte]

If Mr. St. Bernard comes to Boston Drinks are on me..Well done my friend. People like you restore my faith in humanity

[dannyt92548]

If I had a restaurant I'd let this guy eat there for free for the rest of his life. After all, he did save that little girl, and extend her life. I just thank God he was there at the right time and was willing to step up to the task. Good Goin' Mr. St. Bernard

[bigddog51]

indiegogo has a fundraiser set up for him tell all

[smartalecq]

Bus driver, your the man!

[Bobs_unique_username]

Steven is a Hero for saving her. But you kind of expect that from a guy named St. Bernard.

[Squire_James]

Even as an autistic person, this is approaching the "too stupid to live" territory. I'm glad someone was there to catch her, and don't mistake this comment as a desire for her not to live. I just hope the child gains SOME sense of self-preservation, or the next time there probably won't be anyone there to catch her!

[nygurl1]

I suggest you read up on autism so you don't make anymore silly comments!

[Magic-Sky-Daddy]

Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields
See how these names are feted by the waving grass,
And by the streamers of white cloud,
And whispers of wind in the listening sky;
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire's center.
Born of the sun, they traveled a short while towards the sun,
And left the vivid air signed with their honor.

[QuoVales]

god bless this man for being in the right place at the right time

he is a hero

he follows the quote,, heros are not born,, their made

[knewsteerrrrr]

WOuldnt have mattered, there is a heavy row of soft shrubs and grass right there anyway.

[Chauffeurkp2]

THERE are people who need to review THEIR comments as THEY'RE not using the correct word. (A contraction that means "they are" is spelled "they're".)

[seeingeyenavalbase]

What a guy. What a very lucky little girl. What a catch, too. The Yankees should sign him up. He is a real hero, and I hope his hand heals quickly.

[paul_1149]

He seemed to break her fall with her arms, so I doubt his back was affected. Truly a hero, because there definitely was a lot of risk involved. There are still people trying to do good in this rotten world. God bless him. Hoping his hand heals quickly. Way to go, Steven!