Maine police officer stops driver for speeding, then saves his life

KENNEBUNK, Maine -- Not many people can say they owe their lives to a near speeding ticket.

But 86-year-old Gavin Falconer can. He was pulled over Saturday by a police officer in Kennebunk, Maine. But shortly after handing over his license and registration, Falconer suffered an apparent heart attack and slumped over without a pulse.

Police say Officer Michael Harrington quickly transitioned from writing out a warning for the speeding infraction to administering CPR. A second officer then arrived with a defibrillator.

Falconer was brought to a hospital and is recovering. He tells WMTW-TV that he hopes to see the officer again and thank him.

Harrington says the incident is proof there is no such thing as a "routine" traffic stop.

"When you're thinking you're just going to give a guy a warning and -- next thing you know -- you're doing chest compression in the middle of rush-hour traffic. It's a little overwhelming," Harrington told the station.