Oklahoma Toddler Dials 911 About ‘Emergency Need for Donuts’

A toddler with a sweet tooth named Bennett in Moore, Oklahoma, placed two 911 calls to report an “emergency need for donuts.”

Local police officers responded by delivering Dunkin’ Donuts to the child’s home the following day. The Moore Police Department shared audio of the unusual emergency call and footage of the delicious special delivery on X.

Newsweek reached out to the Moore Police Department via email on Saturday for comment.

Why It Matters

While the incident created a heartwarming community moment, it also highlights important safety considerations regarding children’s access to devices that can still reach emergency services.

What To Know

During the recorded call, the young boy initially spoke unintelligibly before clarifying his “emergency” request for donuts. The dispatcher played along, asking if Bennett would share the treats, to which the toddler firmly responded, “No, I’m not.”

According to police, the child used an old cell phone that, while unable to perform regular functions like taking photos or accessing data networks, could still connect to emergency services.

The day after receiving the unusual request, Moore police officers arrived at Bennett’s home with a box of Dunkin’ Donuts.

Body camera footage captured the moment when officers presented the treats to an enthusiastic Bennett, who excitedly exclaimed “Yes!” before he and his brother each selected a donut from the box.

What People Are Saying

Moore Police Department said in a statement: “Old cell phones may be unable to use high-speed data networks, take photos or play music, but they can still call 911 in an emergency. As long as an old cell phone is functional, it can be used in an emergency.”

911 Dispatcher (during call): “Doughnuts? I want doughnuts. Are you going to share your doughnuts?”

Bennett (toddler caller): “911, it is an emergency… Emergency doughnuts.”

What Happens Next

While this call ended with a sweet resolution, the incident provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to review how they store old devices and discuss appropriate emergency service use with young children.

Emergency dispatchers routinely handle accidental calls, particularly from children with access to disconnected phones that retain 911 capabilities – a built-in safety feature that ensures anyone can request emergency assistance regardless of a phone’s service status.