Man Conquers Fear, Saves Drowning N.J. Child Even Though He Can’t Swim: Cops

FAIRFIELD, NJ — Fear is a powerful roadblock to the accomplishment of great deeds. But on Thursday evening in Essex County, a Pennsylvania man showed that the human capacity for compassion can put fear in its place, authorities say.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, the quick and courageous actions of a guest at the LaQuinta hotel on Two Bridges Road helped to save the life of a drowning nine-year-old boy who accidentally wandered into the deep end of a pool.

Here’s the kicker, according to Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna… he couldn’t swim.

“Anyone who has a fear of water and is not comfortable swimming can truly appreciate the bravery displayed by this hero guest, who conquered his own fears to save the young life of another,” Manna said. “All of us at the police department are extremely proud of him.”

Police said that the incident began on Thursday evening, when a Paterson mother, a male companion and her five, young children were relaxing at the hotel pool.

“It appears that, while the adults were focusing their attention on the younger children, the nine-year-old began to struggle and eventually ended up under the water in the deeper end of the pool,” police stated.

None of the adults or children knew how to swim, police said.

While the woman’s male companion ran to the hotel front desk to get help, Randolph Tajada-Perez, 37, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania – a guest who was luckily checking himself into the hotel at the time of the incident – heard the commotion and ran to the pool area, authorities said.

Upon seeing the drowning child, Tajada-Perez, who himself does not know how to swim, jumped into the pool. After a few attempts, the Good Samaritan was able to go underwater and remove the youth from the water, authorities stated.

When officers arrived on the scene around 6:37 p.m., the boy was already out of the pool and CPR had been started, police said.

Officers observed that the victim had a pulse and was breathing on his own. They administered oxygen and monitored his condition until he was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center by the West Essex First Aid Squad, police said.

As of Friday morning, the child was listed in stable condition, authorities said.

The Fairfield Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation into the incident.

Photo: Google Maps

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