Two police officers, friends, save boy’s life after he tries to help elderly woman

MELROSE — Chief Michael Lyle reports that two Melrose Police Officers saved the life of a young boy after he suffered a serious leg injury on Tuesday.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., the Melrose Police Department received a call for the Winthrop Elementary for a reported leg injury. Officer Levi DiFranza and Sgt. Charles Byrne arrived first on scene and found that a 14-year-old male had been impaled by the spikes at the top of a four foot fence, possibly hitting his femoral artery. The boy had tried to jump the fence to help an older woman who tripped on the sidewalk. According to police, the boy was pale and lethargic after losing a significant amount of blood from his leg. His friends used a sweatshirt to attempt to stop the bleeding until first responders arrived.

Officer DiFranza immediately began using a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and squeezed the pressure point while waiting for the Melrose Fire Department to arrive. Officer DiFranza had the boy focus on him rather than his injury, speaking in a low, calm voice to the victim, who remained conscious the entire time, while they waited, police stated.

The victim was transported to a Boston hospital by ambulance, which was escorted by Officer Alexander Barranco. The boy is still recovering at the hospital, but is in good health and is not believed to have suffered any long-term health effects.

“I am beyond proud of the quick, decisive actions by Officer DiFranza, Sgt. Byrne and Officer Barranco,” Chief Lyle said. “They remained calm and focused during a very intense incident, and ultimately saved this young boy’s life and prevented a terrible tragedy. They are outstanding examples of the types of officers that make up the Melrose Police Department.”