Police: Woman Who Drove Into Massachusetts Pond Won't Face Criminal Charges

Police say the registry of motor vehicles will be reviewing the incident after Helen Joyce drove into Spy Pond

Police say the woman who drove her car into a pond in Arlington, Massachusetts, on Friday afternoon will not face criminal charges but the registry of motor vehicles will be reviewing the incident.

Authorities say Helen Joyce, 68, of Medford, Massachusetts, was trying to back into a parking space on Linwood Circle at about 1 p.m. when she drove her Ford Edge SUV over a curb and into Spy Pond.

Police said three good Samaritans jumped into the water to rescue Joyce, who was conscious and alert when they pulled her from the water. Authorities said Joyce was cold, but otherwise unharmed.

The good Samaritans have been identified as David Frasier, 54, of Boxford, Massachusetts, Cesar Perozo, 41, of Stoneham, Massachusetts, and Kenneth Chapman, 57, of Sydney, Australia.

The SUV was removed from the pond on Saturday by Arlington Police with assistance from the Arlington Fire and Cambridge Fire departments.

“I commend the teamwork and courage of everyone involved in this incident, from the rescuers who fearlessly ran into the water to our officers and firefighters who executed the car removal today,” said Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan. “In a week filled with tragic news, and as our brother officers from Boston fight for their lives, this happy ending was more than welcome.”

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