Crime & Safety
21-Month-Old Wasn't Breathing; Seaside Heights Police Officer Saved His Life
The 21-month-old wasn't breathing when his family called for help. A police officer's quick actions saved the boy's life.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — A Seaside Heights police officer is being hailed after he saved a toddler who was not breathing Monday afternoon, police said.
Ryan, a 21-month-old boy, was unresponsive and not breathing when Seaside Heights police officers responded to a 911 call at the Sunburst Motel about 2:45 p.m. Monday, police said.
Officer Christopher Linnell picked up the boy and administered two back blows, Detective Steve Korman said. The blows caused the boy to gasp and start breathing again.
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Tri-Boro First Aid took the boy to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was treated and released, Korman said.
"It was just another day at work for Officer Christopher Linnell, but for this beautiful little boy’s family it was probably their worst nightmare," Seaside Heights police said in a post on the department's Facebook page.
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"As you can see Ryan and family are doing well and beyond grateful. Thank you again Officer Linnell," the post said.
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