Two adults are facing charges in Steuben County after a 5-year-old who fell into the Canisteo River on Saturday was rescued.
New York State Police responded around 2:45 p.m. to the Canisteo River near County Route 119 in Canisteo, where a 5-year-old girl had gone underwater. Troopers said they eventually located the child, who was with several adults on a small island in the middle of the river.
Emergency responders used rescue ropes to cross the river and reach the group. They were removed from the small island by rescue boat, according to State Police. The girl was taken to an area hospital, treated and released.
Troopers said it appeared that the girl was “not wearing the proper floatation device” while tubing with a group on the river and the river’s current pulled the child and several adults into a partially submerged tree. The girl fell into the water and was rescued by a kayaker who happened to be in the area, according to State Police.
Charges files after river rescue in NY
Tessa Hamilton, 32, and Matthew Martin, 35, both of Hornell were each charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child, misdemeanors, in connection with the incident. Both are related to the girl, troopers confirmed.
Martin was also charged with two counts of second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an order of protection.
Hamilton was issued a ticket and is scheduled to appear in Canisteo Town Court on July 3.
Martin was taken to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment, according to State Police.
Troopers continue to investigate the incident.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 5-year-old saved from river in upstate NY after tubing accident; two adults charged
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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