Boy Rescued From Passaic River After Leaving Totowa Home

Totowa police received calls on November 5 about a child without shoes going from house to house and then running off. When officers arrived, the boy’s parents were already searching for him. The child, identified as Jacob, had left through a window, authorities said. Responders and local residents joined the search, which widened as crews grew concerned he might be near water.

Police called firefighters and other local agencies for more personnel and lighting. Searchers found Jacob on a steep, dark bank, partly in the cold Passaic River and holding onto a tree. Rescuers formed a human chain to reach him and bring him to safety before the current carried him away.

Patrolman Fina Matranga said Jacob was soaked and muddy, with a substance on his chest that looked like vomit. She comforted him, cleaned him up and gave him sensory toys from her duty bag. Neighbor Latoya Carswell, who had helped him before, said responders recognized him and quickly focused on getting him out safely.

Jacob had reportedly run away once before, in October. Officials believe Christmas lights nearby, along with the water, may have attracted him. Police said his parents are installing stronger window locks.