Crime & Safety

Elmhurst Officer Saved Driver's Life: City

The officer was commended for pulling a driver out of a car that had struck a snowbank, police said.

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Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean shakes the hand of Officer Brandt Cappitelli, who was credited with saving a driver's life Feb. 7.
Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean shakes the hand of Officer Brandt Cappitelli, who was credited with saving a driver's life Feb. 7. (Courtesy of Elmhurst Police Department)

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst police officer was recently honored for saving a person's life earlier this year, according to a city news release.

On Feb. 7, Officer Brandt Cappitelli came upon a car that veered off the road and struck a snowbank. The engine compartment had started on fire, and the driver was still seated inside, police said.

Cappitelli helped the intoxicated driver out of the car through the backseat and away from danger, according to the release. Minutes later, the engine was fully engulfed in flames, police said.

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Police Chief Michael McLean recently gave Cappitelli the police department's Life-Saving Award for his response to the life-threatening situation.

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