Police Save Boy's Life After His Leg Is Impaled By School Fence

MELROSE, MA — Police are being credited with saving a teenager's life after the boy got his leg impaled by a fence Tuesday night.

The 14-year-old was trying to jump a fence near the Winthrop School to help an older woman who tripped on the sidewalk. He was impaled by the fence and his friends tried to stop the bleeding with a sweatshirt, police said.

When Officer Levi DiFranza and Sgt. Charles Byrne arrived around 9:30 p.m., the boy was pale and lethargic after losing blood, police said. DiFranza used his tourniquet to stop the bleeding as the fire department arrived. DiFranza spoke to the boy, who remained conscious, and kept him focused, police said.

Police said the spikes atop the 4-foot fence may have hit the boy's femoral artery. He was brought to a Boston hospital, with Officer Alexander Barranco escorting the ambulance.

The boy is in good health at the hospital and is not believed to have suffered long-term health effects, police said.

"I am beyond proud of the quick, decisive actions by Officer DiFranza, Sgt. Byrne and Officer Barranco," Chief Mike 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."