Man Saves Drowning Toddler In River

A man saved the life of a drowning 2-year-old boy Friday night after pulling him from the Kennebec River, according to Augusta police.

The man, identified as Sean Scanlon of Dresden Mills, jumped into the river near the East Side Boat Landing in Augusta at about 6 p.m. after being alerted by witnesses on the other side of the river that the small boy was in distress.

"He quickly took action by jumping into the water retrieving the child and swimming back to shore," reads a release from the Augusta Police Department. "Once they reached the safety of the shoreline the child was observed to be unresponsive so this man immediately began chest compressions until the child began to expel water from his lungs."

Augusta Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on scene shortly after and took over lifesaving care for the child who remained responsive and was transported to the hospital.

The child is recovering.

Police were able to identify the 2-year-old and his family.

Police are investigating to determine if any crimes were committed. More information will be released in the near future if it is determined that formal charges will be filed, according to police.