Child Critical After Putting Zip Tie Around Neck

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) -- An item that many people have in their homes sent a little girl to the hospital. Anisa Moktar is in critical condition at Children's Hospital after she put a zip tie around her neck.

On Tuesday evening, paramedics were called to a Coon Rapids home to help a little girl who was having trouble breathing. When they arrived, they quickly saw the problem.

"The child had placed the zip tie around her neck and tightened it," said Commander Paul Sommer with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.

Five-year-old Anisa found the hardware part in the laundry room where it had been sitting for months. It was a leftover part after the installation of a new washer and dryer.

"Hadn't given it a thought until that moment," said Sommer.

The family was unable to remove the tie on their own. The plastic had become so tight, when it was cut off, the ring was only three inches across.

"I think the parents were so panicked by it that they thought they were going to hurt their child by cutting it," said Sommer.

By the time help arrived, Anisa wasn't breathing. She wasn't revived until she arrived at the hospital.

"Prior to this, I can't recall anyone considering that to be a hazard for a child," said Sommer.

A zip tie is common piece of hardware found in many homes, but Anisa's accident is a reminder that when it comes to children, there can be danger where you least expect it.

Anisa was first taken to Mercy Hospital and then transferred to Children's Hospital.