Barrington police officer Aaron Chartier was closing the gates at Barrington Town Beach at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, when he noticed a car parked at the far eastern edge of the lot.

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According to the police report, the officer approached the car and noticed a note stating "Car won't start — will pick up tomorrow."

The officer was about to walk away when he noticed a pile of blankets inside the car and what appeared to be someone's hair. A closer look showed that a woman was laying underneath the blankets.

The officer then noticed a helium tank in the front seat and decided to call for a rescue. More police showed up and the officers tapped on the car window, but the woman inside the car did not respond.

The officers eventually smashed a window and pulled the woman — a 52-year-old Barrington resident — out of the car. The woman was transported to the hospital. Police later found three suicide notes inside the vehicle.

"This was excellent police work — they saved a life," said Barrington Police Chief John LaCross of his officers. "They could have seen the note and walked away. But they didn't."