SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota police officers quickly intervened to save a woman when a three-car collision ignited her vehicle late last month.
The crash happened in the early morning hours of June 30 at the SR 45 and SR 683 split, according to the Sarasota Police Department.
Officers who were across the street assisting with an unrelated call heard the crash and immediately ran over to help.
Body cam video showed the moment officers realized one of the vehicles was on fire and the driver was still trapped inside.
One officer could be overheard shouting, “The vehicle’s on fire!”
Without hesitation, an officer yanked the driver’s side door open, grabbed a knife and sliced off the woman’s seatbelt.
Officers then pulled the unconscious driver to safety, shouting, “Go, go, go,” as they dashed to the sidewalk.
The vehicle became engulfed in flames only moments later.
“Their rapid and altruistic actions saved a life,” the police department expressed in a social media post. “A commendable job by these officers, who persist in serving with bravery, commitment, and dedication to safeguarding others.”
As of Tuesday, July 8, the three-car crash remained under investigation.
