Mariska Hargitay paused filming episode of 'Law & Order: SVU' to help lost child who thought she was a real cop

• "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay was mistaken for a real cop by a girl who had lost her mom.
• The incident occurred while Hargitay was shooting the popular police drama in New York City.
• The star stepped into the shoes of her heroic character and helped the girl find her mom.

Mariska Hargitay channeled her " Law & Order: Special Victims Unit " character when a lost child saw her filming in New York City and, mistaking her for a real police officer, asked for her help.

While shooting an episode of the police drama on April 10, Hargitay, 60, was approached by a young girl who had been separated from her mother.

A witness told People that the girl had lost sight of her mother while playing in Anne Loftus Playground in Fort Tryon Park and sought Hargitay's help, believing her to be an on-duty police officer.

The moment was captured by photographer Jose Perez.

Hargitay, who has played captain Olivia Benson on the NBC series since it began airing in 1999, was wearing a police officer badge as part of her character's outfit while shooting a scene with costar Ice-T .

Hargitay stepped into the shoes of her heroic character, pausing production for 20 minutes to see that the girl was reunited with her mother, People reported.

This isn't the first time that someone has turned to "SVU" for help in a time of crisis.

In 2021, an 11-year-old girl from Florida successfully fought off an alleged kidnapper and smeared blue slime on him to help police identify him after she said she learned the importance of evidence from the show.

Authorities were able to catch the suspect, and according to a local news outlet , he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on the charge of first-degree felony kidnapping.

Hargitay praised the girl, Alyssa Bonal, for her quick thinking, writing on Instagram : "Alyssa, first and most important, I am so relieved and grateful to know that you are safe. And I am so honored to be part of your incredible story. You are one BRAVE, Strong and Smart young woman."