WATCH: Quick-thinking deputy smashes window to save driver from drowning in flooded river
In a dramatic rescue during a major storm fueled by an atmospheric river, a Northern California deputy saved a driver trapped in her vehicle after it plunged into a flooded creek near Port Reyes Station, which is about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The heroic incident underscores the severe impact of the recent Pineapple Express that swept through the area.
The Marin County Sheriff's Office reported that the driver lost control of her vehicle after hitting a large puddle in the early morning hours of Feb. 4. The treacherous weather conditions had already begun to flood the roadways, making driving hazardous. The vehicle became inoperable, with its door locks and windows malfunctioning, trapping the driver inside as water quickly engulfed the car.
The driver called 911, and within minutes, Deputy Mike Dawson arrived at the scene.
"Can you hear me? Where are you at? Are you in the back?" Deputy Dawson can be heard calling as he runs toward the car that is quickly filling with floodwater as the woman struggles to escape.
Deputy Dawson wasted no time and plunged into the icy water to reach the submerged vehicle. Bodycam footage released by the sheriff's office captures the intense moment as Deputy Dawson swiftly breaks the rear window of the car.
"It's cold, I know," Deputy Dawson says to which the woman replies, "I'm not worried about the cold. I'm just worried about getting out!"
"After rescuing the driver from the vehicle and getting her to safety on the roadway, the vehicle was completely overtaken by the rushing creek," the sheriff's office stated. "The entire incident lasted just minutes, highlighting the significant dangers posed by severe storm activity."
The rescue operation unfolded amid relentless rainfall, with a nearby rain gauge recording over 4.5 inches of rain that day. The extreme weather led to widespread flooding, and authorities quickly closed affected roads. Despite the closure signs, two additional vehicles became stuck after drivers ignored the warnings, further emphasizing the perilous conditions.
Two storm-related deaths were reported in nearby Sonoma County in the last 24 hours as rivers swelled and another round of rain moved in, authorities said Thursday morning, according to local reports.
Marin County Sheriff's Office issued a reminder to the public about the dangers of driving through flooded roads. "We are thankful for the positive outcome during this incident and want to remind everyone to slow down in inclement weather and DO NOT drive through standing water on the road," officials urged.
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