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Watch: Smiling toddler gets stuck inside claw machine while parents aren't looking

Published February 15, 2026 11:44 AM MST

A sly toddler had the time of his life playing inside a claw machine after he crawled in and got stuck during his brother’s soccer game. 

Margaret King told Storyful that she was at Vetta Sports Soccerdome in Webster Groves, Missouri, on Saturday, February 7, for her eldest son’s soccer game when she discovered her middle child, Cooper, in the claw machine.

Video from King shows 2-year-old Cooper smiling and playing with the balls inside the machine while baffled first responders discuss how to get him out. 

Cooper King plays with the toys inside the claw machine (Margaret King via Storyful)

What they're saying:

"We were within 15 feet of him and looked away for a good 15 seconds to watch our son on the field, and next thing I heard was my name being called to let us know Cooper was playing in the ball claw machine," King said.

MORE: Father, son dramatically rescued from deep in the alligator-infested Florida Everglades

King said Cooper was eventually freed after a service technician from the claw machine company came and opened it with a key. The unfazed Cooper spent about 20 minutes in the machine. 

"He was perfectly fine, safe, and having a ball," King told Storyful. "Us parents stayed calm the whole time and the workers there were so helpful."

The Source: This report includes information and video from Storyful.

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