> At a Glance
> – A 13-year-old plunged through ice on a Woolwich Township retention basin at 4:25 p.m. Sunday
> – Three officers formed a human chain to pull the teen out after a rope rescue failed
> – The boy was briefly hospitalized and released; no injuries reported
> – Why it matters: Officials warn frozen lakes and ponds remain treacherous despite cold snap
A routine Sunday afternoon turned life-threatening for a New Jersey teen after he wandered onto a frozen retention basin and crashed through the ice, triggering a rapid response by local police captured on body-camera footage.
Rope Fails, Officers Jump In
The Woolwich Township Police Department says a concerned citizen called 9-1-1 after hearing cries for help near Center Square Road and Township Line Road. Three officers arrived within minutes and tossed a rope to the struggling boy, but bitter cold left his hands too numb to grip it.
Sergeant Joseph Rieger then crawled across the ice, reached the child, but the surface gave way under their combined weight. Two colleagues immediately followed:
- Corporal Steve Spithaler plunged in to help
- Patrolman Michael Scambia entered the water seconds later
Together they formed a human chain, hauling the teen and each other back to solid ground.
Aftermath and Safety Warning
Officials said everyone escaped injury and the boy was taken to hospital only as a precaution before being released. In a Monday post the department reminded residents that retention basins, ponds and lakes are off-limits and ice thickness can be dangerously unpredictable.
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| 4:25 p.m. | Officers attempt rope rescue |
| Minutes later | Sgt. Rieger crawls onto ice |
| Ice breaks | Cpl. Spithaler & Ptl. Scambia jump in |
| Same day | Teen hospitalized, released |
The township praised the trio for their “quick, coordinated effort” that prevented tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Three Woolwich officers rescued a 13-year-old who fell through ice Sunday
- A rope throw failed; officers entered the water to reach the boy
- No injuries; victim was briefly hospitalized and released
- Officials urge residents to stay off all frozen waterways
Police credited the initial 9-1-1 caller with providing the exact location, proving speed and clear information can save lives.
