Totowa, N.J. – On Thursday night, a frantic search by police, firefighters and local volunteers ended in a heart‑warming rescue when Jacob, a 6‑year‑old nonverbal boy with autism, was pulled from the icy waters of the Passaic River.
Emergency call sparks community response
Totowa Police received multiple emergency calls reporting a barefoot child knocking on doors before fleeing. Officers arrived to find Jacob’s parents frantically searching for their runaway son, who had apparently escaped through a window.
Patrolman Fina Matranga, a longtime Totowa officer and parent, said the situation quickly became personal for responders. “We are also parents, so we tend to see things a little bit more personal,” she explained. “We are a very tight‑knit community, so it was definitely very emotional.”
Neighbors join the hunt
Resident Latoya Carswell described how neighbors rallied, calling Jacob’s name and sprinting along the riverbank. “Some people were screaming his name—‘Jacob, Jacob.’ Others were power‑walking or running,” she said.
As the search widened, officials grew concerned that Jacob might be drawn to the water. The police department called in additional resources, including extra lighting and manpower from the fire department and the county sheriff’s office.
Rescue on the riverbank
Search teams located Jacob half‑submerged on a dark embankment, clinging to a tree. Because of the steep drop, responders formed a human chain to pull the shivering child to safety. When they reached him, he was completely drenched, covered in mud and appeared to have vomited.
Matranga recounted comforting the boy on the spot. “I sat with him, cleaned him up a little, and gave him sensory toys from my duty bag,” she said. The toys helped calm Jacob, who is sensitive to sensory overload.
Familiar faces, familiar fears
Another responder who knows Jacob said the team recognized him immediately. “We helped him once before, so I knew what he looked like,” Carswell said. “I just jumped into ‘mommy mode.’”
Police noted this was not Jacob’s first runaway episode; he had escaped a month earlier, possibly attracted by nearby Christmas lights as well as the river.
Preventive steps moving forward
In response to the incident, Jacob’s parents are installing tighter window locks to prevent future escapes. The community’s swift action underscores Totowa’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable members and reflects the town’s strong family values.
Local officials praised the coordinated effort, emphasizing that such teamwork exemplifies the best of community policing and volunteer spirit. The rescue serves as a reminder that when neighbors, first responders, and families work together, even the most frightening situations can end safely.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
