Neighbor’s call credited with saving elderly Monroe man’s life

MONROE — Reports of strange noises from a neighbor’s apartment on Tuesday evening helped save a man’s life.

Police were called about 7:20 p.m. to an apartment in the 300 block of Kelsey Street, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said. A neighbor reported hearing a noise coming from another apartment.

Officers heard a smoke alarm sounding and went into the apartment.

Inside the smoke-filled apartment, they found a semi-conscious 84-year-old man on the floor. The officers carried the man outside, and medics drove him to Valley General Hospital, Willis said. He was expected to recover.

The smoke came from food burning on the stove. The neighbor’s quick response may well have saved the man’s life, officials said.

“Whether it’s a crime or an emergency, you have to pick up the phone and report it,” Willis said.