Man Pulled From Burning Vehicle By FL Deputies, Good Samaritan: Watch

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL — A man trapped in a burning vehicle was pulled to safety by two deputies and a good Samaritan early Saturday morning, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The neighbors inside the Riverwood community heard a loud crash and called 911, telling dispatchers that the vehicle was on fire, with flames as high as 5 feet. They also heard a man screaming for help.

When deputies Garrett Parrish and Bryant Ovalles Vasquez arrived at the scene, they ran to the burning vehicle and found the victim trapped inside with his seatbelt caught around his neck and upper body, the sheriff’s office said. Because of the heat, it was difficult for them to stay close to the victim for lengthy periods.

The video shows them extinguishing flames to gain better access to the man. Using a pocketknife, they were able to free the man and pull him from the vehicle with the help of a good Samaritan, CCSO said.

“You truly never know what the night will hold,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell. “The job of a deputy is to act bravely in the face of danger, regardless of what lies ahead. These young men did just that. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Charlotte County Fire & EMS arrived at the crash, providing medical care for the victim, who was brought to a nearby trauma unit. The man is in critical condition but expected to survive.

Watch the full rescue below: