AUGUSTA — Christopher Norwood, the local man whose 2-year-old boy nearly drowned in the Kennebec River – and whom police charged Tuesday with endangering the welfare of a child – released a statement through his attorney Thursday thanking the boy’s rescuers and asking the public to withhold judgment.

“This has been an extremely difficult experience, and Chris is extremely grateful for the actions of first responders and everyone who intervened to help his son,” wrote his attorney, Scott Hess of Augusta. “Luckily, the child is doing very well and is expected to fully recover.”

This Sept. 17 photo shows Augusta's East Side Boat Landing, where a 2-year-old boy was rescued from the Kennebec River. Staff file photo by Joe Phelan

Hess continued, “Although this was a very serious incident, it is important to keep in mind that not every accident is a crime. We are confident that this matter will reach an appropriate resolution in due course.”

Norwood, 31, was charged with the class D misdemeanor after the boy’s medical condition stabilized and Augusta police Detective Tori Tracy completed an investigation of the Sept. 16 incident.

Class D charges are punishable by up to 364 days in prison and a $2,000 fine.

The state Department of Health and Human Services has been involved in the investigation since it began and has been working to ensure the child’s safety, according to a Jared Mills, the city’s deputy police chief.

Mills said the child was released from the hospital “to a safe location designated by DHHS.”

The boy was rescued by passer-by Sean Scanlon of Dresden, who was at the East Side Boat Landing with his son. Augusta Fire and Rescue took over when they arrived at the scene.

Norwood is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Nov. 21, according to Mills.

Related Stories