Truck Drives Into Schuylkill River, Officer Rescues 2 From Water

NORRISTOWN, PA — Two people were rescued from the Schuylkill River in Norristown this week after their truck crashed thanks to the heroic actions of a police officer.

The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 near Riverfront Park on Haws Avenue.

Police on patrol saw a pick-up truck atop a boat ramp crash into the water and float out some 60 feet into the water, in the middle of the river. A young girl was in the bed of the truck, and she told police she could not swim.

That's when Officer Edward Butterworth, Sr., described by police as an avid swimmer, leapt into action.

He swam out into the river as the truck began to sink and float away in the current. He was able to navigate the waters, reach both the father and the child, and guide them back to shore.

"Officer Butterworth’s heroic actions saved the lives of these 2 people, who possibly would not have survived if it were not for his selfless and immediate actions," Acting Police Chief Michael Bishop said in a statement.

The girl and her father were taken to a nearby hospital for observation, but were not injured.