For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Press Release* Littleton Police and Fire Departments Remove Drone from Mill Pond After Person Falls Through Ice

LITTLETON — Police Chief Matthew King and Fire Chief Scott Wodzinski report that the police and fire departments removed a drone from a frozen pond yesterday after a resident fell through the ice trying to retrieve it.

On Wednesday, Dec. 30 around 9:30 a.m., police and fire were dispatched to Mill Pond after they received a report that there was a drone on the ice.

Upon their arrival, they noticed a section of ice that was broken, evidence that someone had gone on it and fallen through. It was unclear if someone was in the water.

Members of the fire department put on their cold weather suits and checked the area surrounding the broken ice, but did not locate anyone.

At the same time, a police officer noticed footprints in the snow that led away from the area. The officer and Chief Wodzinski followed the prints, which led to an apartment at the Pondside at Littleton complex on King Street. They knocked on the door and spoke to the resident, who said it was his drone and he had fallen through the ice up to his knees, but was able to get out.

“We are thankful that no one was injured and no lives were lost from this incident, as the resident could have fared a lot worse had the water been deeper,” Chief King said. “Those who have drones or other flying instruments should take extra caution monitoring where they’re operating them to ensure safety for themselves and others.”

To prevent anyone else from attempting to get the drone, the fire department went back into the water, retrieved the device and returned it to the resident.

“Given the inconsistent weather we’ve had over the last several weeks, the water has not completely frozen at Mill Pond and it is extremely dangerous to walk on it,” Chief Wodzinski said. “Do not risk your life attempting to get anything off the ice.”

###