North Port , Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Police here say a 20 month-old baby girl has died after being pulled from a canal not far from her home.
Officers say little Ava Natalia Perry was first reported as missing from her home on Alam Avenue. Police searched for close to three hours before finding Ava in a nearby canal.
Officers pulled the girl out of the water and then she was transported to the hospital. Ava died less than a half hour later in the emergency room.
Police continue to investigate, but believe little Ava was swept into the canal by strong storm runoff. Police believe the baby was pushed through the canal at least a half of a mile by the rushing water.
Photo courtesy City of North Port