Man Rescued from Chimney While Trying to Save Dog
BRISTOL, Conn. — In a surprising turn of events, a man found himself stuck in the chimney of a parks building in Bristol while attempting to retrieve his dog from a locked bathroom. The incident took place late Sunday morning at Rockwell Park.
Authorities were alerted when park employees reported that someone was wedged in the chimney. Firefighters arrived on the scene and had to dismantle parts of the chimney and building to free the man, causing considerable damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000.
Fortunately, the Bristol resident did not sustain any injuries. He was subsequently arrested and faces charges including burglary, trespassing, and criminal mischief. He has since been released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 7.
Erica Benoit, the community engagement coordinator for Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth, and Community Services, explained that the bathroom locks automatically close at 10 p.m. due to new timers. It’s unclear how the dog ended up locked in the bathroom, but police confirmed that the animal was unharmed.
“This is quite an unusual situation,” Benoit noted, adding that park staff are coordinating with local police and fire departments to prevent such incidents from recurring. She emphasized that if the man had contacted authorities for help initially, the ordeal might have been avoided.
In light of this incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking a moment to think before acting, especially when it comes to our pets.
