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Westbrook Police Pull Teenager From River

February 18, 2009 - WESTBROOK -- Three Westbrook police officers rescued a teenager who had fallen through the ice on the Presumpscot River on Monday night.

Acting Sgt. Thomas Roche said their efforts most likely saved the life of 15-year-old Ricardo Agrinsoni.

"When we arrived, we spotted his head bobbing in the water and his arms flailing," Roche said.

Roche said he and officers James Farrenkopf and Ryan Close were not sure what part of the river the boy had fallen into when they got the emergency call shortly after 5 p.m.

They went to the Black Bridge and ran about 150 yards along the riverbank's bike path before they positioned themselves in an area where they could toss life rings to the Westbrook High School student.

Agrinsoni, who was about 20 yards from shore, was unable to grab the first life ring, but was able to hold onto the second.

The officers, who had attached a rope to the ring, then pulled him to safety.

Agrinsoni was taken by ambulance to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was treated for hypothermia and later released to his father's care.

Roche said the boy had been in the icy water for about 10 minutes.

"He was conscious, alert, and scared to death. And he thanked us," said Roche, who partially disrobed, giving Agrinsoni part of his uniform and his long johns to keep the teenager warm.

The incident took place in the area of Cumberland Street and the Black Bridge.

By DENNIS HOEY. Staff Writer,Portland Press Herald, February 17, 2009


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