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

On Tuesday, Aug. 4 at approximately 9:30 p.m., the Melrose Police Department was dispatched to the Winthrop Elementary for a reported leg injury. Officer Levi DiFranza and Sgt. Charles Byrne were the first on the scene and found that a 14-year-old male was impaled by the spikes at the top of a four foot fence, possibly hitting his femoral artery, after he tried to jump the fence to help an older woman who tripped on the sidewalk. The boy was pale and lethargic after losing a significant amount of blood from his leg, and his friends used a sweatshirt to attempt to stop the bleeding until first responders arrived.

Immediately, Officer DiFranza used his department-issued 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.

The victim was transported to a Boston hospital by ambulance, which was escorted by Officer Alexander Barranco. He 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.”