Port Authority Cop Rescues Choking Rideshare Driver At Newark Airport

NEWARK, NJ — An officer with the Port Authority Police Department rescued a choking rideshare driver outside Newark Liberty International Airport last week, authorities said.

The incident took place as Port Authority Police Officer Len Hoffman was on patrol near Pitcairn Road at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, when he saw 54-year-old Ziva Yildiz choking and desperately crouched over the roadway.

Here’s what happened next, authorities said:

“Officer Hoffman sprang into action by performing [the] life-saving Heimlich maneuver. After eight abdominal thrusts, the gum blocking the driver’s airway was released.”

Yildiz was “extremely grateful” for Hoffman’s efforts and expertise, as shown in a photo shared by the department.

• See related article: 'Heroic' Teacher In NJ Saves Choking Student, Earns Key To The City
• See related article: Cops Save Baby In Essex County After He Chokes On Breast Milk

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