VERO BEACH, FL – An Indian River County deputy rescued a woman from an overturned car in a waterfilled canal after a traffic crash last night.
On Friday, approximately 6:27 pm. Deputy Brianna Barcaro was traveling westbound on 16th Street approaching the intersection of 74th Avenue responding to a call for service. As Deputy Barcaro entered the intersection she observed a silver Jeep in the roadway with driver’s side damage that appeared to be involved in a collision.
She exited her patrol vehicle to assess injuries. As she began to approach the Jeep she observed bystanders running towards the canal bank at the southwestern corner of the intersection.
Upside down in the canal was a black Nissan Murano that was partially submerged in water. Deputy Barcaro immediately jumped into the canal bank in waist-deep water and went to the driver’s side door.
She observed a bystander attempting to open the passenger side door. In the driver’s seat was a female that was trapped and struggling to keep her head afloat in the water.
Deputy Barcaro was able to remove her seatbelt and pull her from the submerged vehicle. Additional deputies arrived on the scene and assisted Deputy Barcaro with pulling the driver out of the vehicle.
The cause of the collision is under investigation however we are happy to report that the injuries to both parties involved are minor. Thanks to Deputy Barcaro’s swift actions the driver is alive today and will make it home to her family.