Three NYPD officers risked hypothermia to save a drowning teenage girl from the freezing Harlem River, proving once again that our brave men and women in blue are true heroes who put their lives on the line for others.
Story Highlights
- Officer Wilmer Guerrero dove into freezing Harlem River to rescue 16-year-old girl in mental health crisis
- Three NYPD officers from 32nd Precinct responded without hesitation despite dangerous November conditions
- Dramatic rescue captured on body-worn camera shows officers’ professionalism and courage
- Girl transported to hospital in stable condition after successful water rescue operation
Heroic Response to Mental Health Crisis
On November 11, 2025, Officers Wilmer Guerrero, Ankit Gupta, and Shuaibul Amine from the NYPD’s 32nd Precinct responded to a 911 call about a distressed teenager near Harlem River Drive and 142nd Street. The officers arrived just before 2 p.m. as the 16-year-old girl jumped into the freezing water. Without hesitation, Officer Guerrero removed his gear and plunged into the dangerous river conditions to reach the drowning teenager, who was unable to swim and crying for help.
Life-Saving Teamwork in Freezing Conditions
Officer Guerrero swam approximately 20 feet through the icy Harlem River to reach the distressed girl while Officers Gupta and Amine coordinated the rescue from shore. The November temperatures made the water rescue particularly perilous, with hypothermia posing a serious threat to both the victim and rescuer. Officer Gupta later described hearing the girl’s desperate pleas: “Help me. Please. I don’t want this anymore. Help me.” The officers’ crisis intervention training proved crucial in managing both the water rescue and mental health emergency simultaneously.
Professional Excellence Under Pressure
The entire rescue operation was captured on body-worn cameras, providing dramatic evidence of the officers’ professionalism and quick thinking. Officer Guerrero acknowledged the dangerous conditions, stating: “It was definitely a cold plunge, freezing. But at that moment, nothing else mattered but just getting her out of the water.” The NYPD emphasized that when faced with saving a life, their officers demonstrated no hesitation despite the personal risk involved.
The successful rescue highlights the importance of proper police training in both water rescue techniques and crisis intervention. These officers exemplify the dedication and courage that define law enforcement professionals who serve our communities. The girl was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition, thanks to the swift and selfless actions of these three heroes in uniform.
NYPD officer leaps into freezing river to save teenage girl from drowning
Bodycam video shows dramatic rescue as hero officers work together to pull teen to safety
https://t.co/UmUoq17yRq #FoxNews
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) November 14, 2025
This incident demonstrates why supporting our police officers remains crucial for public safety. While critics often focus on isolated negative incidents, stories like this remind us that police officers routinely risk their own lives to protect and serve others, regardless of the circumstances or personal danger involved.
Sources:
NYPD officer leaps into freezing river to save teenage girl from drowning – Fox News
NYPD cop jumps into frigid water to save teenage girl in distress – Police1
Heroic NYPD cops save teen from Harlem River – amNewYork
