COLUMBUS, Ind. – First responders from the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and the Columbus Fire Department (CFD) saved a man after his vehicle went into a pond at Mill Race Park on Monday morning.
At around 9:15 a.m., emergency personnel were called to a personal injury accident near Carl Miske Drive and Indianapolis Road. The caller reported that a vehicle had gone into the nearby water. CPD and CFD arrived and were directed to a car that was partially submerged in a nearby pond. They could see the driver moving inside the vehicle.
Quick-acting CPD Officer Jacob Driver and CFD Firefighter Seth Burton went into the water to rescue the driver. They received help from the other first responders on shore and, using ropes, pulled the vehicle toward the bank while it was still floating. They then broke the window and got the driver out of the water to EMS personnel.
Based on the accident investigation, it appears the 31-year-old driver had suffered a medical issue that caused his car to leave the road and go into the pond. He was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our first responders. They came together to act quickly and save a life, the most important thing we can do in public safety,” said CPD Chief Steve Norman. “I also thank the callers who didn’t hesitate to report the incident, allowing help to get there quickly.”
The Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire Department, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance, and Columbus Township Fire Department all responded to the scene to assist in the rescue.
