Police News

We begin tonight with an update on yesterday's tragic drowning in a Minot river. On Saturday, a 12-year-old Minot boy died after falling into the water behind the Gold Nugget trailer park. A nine-year-old boy was also rescued - after first responders found him clinging to a piece of ice to stay afloat. Minot Police say they recovered that boy from the water, and he was treated for some scrapes and bruises, then soon released from Trinity Hospital. The two boys had reportedly been walking along the riverbank when they slipped and fell into the river. Because of yesterday's snow storm, the riverbank was snow covered and slippery in the area where they fell. Officers want to remind everyone that the ice on area rivers ss still very unstable. They say even with this week's cold temperatures, it's still extremely dangerous to go on or near the water. Meantime, the Minot Fire Department says if you're with someone who falls through the ice, don't run up to point where he or she fell. If there are other people around, they say have someone else call 9-1-1, and keep your eye on the spot where the person fell in, so that you can direct and help first responders. They say you can also throw anything long enough - like a cord or rope - to the victim to hang onto. But do it immediately, before hypothermia makes it too difficult for the person to grab on.