This is the tense moment a hero cop saves a boy with autism from drowning in a backyard swimming pool in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Bodycam footage shows the police officer running to what appears to be a backyard to reach the youngster, whose hands and feet are above the water, struggling to swim.

The parents of the three-year-old child, Aziel, said they were preparing brunch for family and friends on September 22 when they noticed the boy was missing and the garage door was open.

They called the Fort Wayne Police Department to help locate their child. Officers searched the residence and the surrounding area.

Police Officer Evan Myers then found the kid in the neighbour's above-ground swimming structure. He gently pulled the crying toddler out of the pool to safety.

The officer can be heard saying into his radio: 'He's breathing and is conscious.'

Aziel was revived and is reported to be in stable condition.

The National Autism Association reports that wandering or elopement refers to the tendency of individuals to leave a safe environment, such as their home. This behaviour is observed in nearly half of children with autism and can result in tragic outcomes, including drownings and traffic accidents.