Volunteers assist woman carrying infant who fell into East River during Queens festival preparations.

A group of volunteers preparing for a parade and festival in Queens, including a retired police officer, played a crucial role in rescuing a distressed woman who was entering the East River while carrying her five-month-old baby. This incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 11:49 a.m. at Hermon A. MacNeil Park, located near the intersection of Poppenhauser Avenue and College Place in College Point.

Witnesses reported seeing the 30-year-old woman step into the water, prompting immediate action from those nearby. Volunteers rushed to provide assistance, entering the chest-deep water to save both the woman and the infant. Retired police officer Paul Pinsdorf, who was among the first to respond, stated that he heard bystanders shouting for help before he jumped into the water himself.

Despite the challenging situation, the volunteers managed to bring the woman and her child to safety. Pinsdorf described the difficulty of the rescue, noting that the woman was resistant during the attempt. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to act swiftly to prevent a potentially tragic outcome.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned to the scene; the infant was stabilized at the site before being transported to New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital. The child was reported to be in stable condition following the incident. Meanwhile, the woman was taken into custody by law enforcement officers, with charges currently pending. She was also transported to North Shore University Hospital for evaluation.

According to police sources, the woman had been struggling with depression, which may have contributed to her actions during the incident. The exact nature of the relationship between the woman and her infant remains unclear as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.

The quick response of the volunteers serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and action during emergencies. As investigations proceed, further details are expected to clarify both the woman’s situation and the events that unfolded on that fateful day.