MINNEAPOLIS — A boy clinging to a log in Minneapolis creek and headed for the dangerous Mississippi River has been pulled to safety.

Authorities say the 12-year-old boy was trying to retrieve his football from Minnehaha Creek Thursday afternoon when he fell in. The boy was able to grab a log as he was being swept down the creek toward the Mississippi.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board spokeswoman Dawn Sommers tells the Star Tribune  a park patrol officer walked out on the log which was extended over the creek and a paramedic went into the water to bring the boy to safety.