Newton Police Cite Crystal Lake Swimmer After Rescue Call

A 47-year-old Needham man was cited by Newton Police Saturday for disorderly conduct and trespassing in after Newton Fire crews responded to the scene for a reported swimmer in distress. 

According to police reports, members of the and responded to the lake (Norwood Avenue) around 5:10 p.m. Saturday for reports of a swimmer in the middle of the lake who appeared to be in distress. The caller told officials she was also concerned for the swimmer's safety due to the thunderstorm and pouring rain.

The swimmer caused some commotion in the area, police said, as a number of neighbors were outside in the storm concerned about the safety of the swimmer. 

Once fire crews arrived on scene, they spotted the swimmer bobbing up and down in the water. His entire body, including his head, was moving up and down and his arms were in the air flapping around, reports said. The department's emergency response boat then set out into the lake to rescue the swimmer.

However, when rescuers got close to the swimmer, he started swimming away and began screaming at the fire crews saying, "why are you here?", "leave me alone", "I don't need your help", and "who called you?"

Eventually, the swimmer started moving toward the rescue boat and everyone returned to the shore safely.

Due to the fact that there are several posted signs stating no trespassing and no swimming in unauthorized sections of the lake, the man was cited for trespassing after notice. He was also cited for disorderly conduct, police said.