Two Texas sheriff’s deputies and a civilian are recovering after a crash on a “precarious” overpass left a deputy dangling over the side while good Samaritans worked to rescue him.
The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office said deputies Jorge Martinez, 36, and Andrew Cavasos, 49, stopped Monday to assist a stranded motorist on Southbound Highway 87 at the 98th Street overpass. While they were outside their parked patrol units, a semi-truck struck the rear patrol vehicle.
The collision “trapped” the deputies between the wrecked patrol vehicle and the overpass guardrail. Cavasos had his legs pinned, while the rest of his body dangled dangerously over the road below.
Good Samaritans at a nearby gas station saw the collision and rushed to help, bringing ladders, rope and helping hands. One bystander climbed a ladder to hold up the deputy from below, and others tied a rope around him and held his arms. First responders were finally able to move the disabled vehicle and pull Cavasos to safety.
Both deputies were taken to University Medical Center Hospital for treatment. In an update Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said both had been discharged and were recovering at home. A civilian also sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover.
“Thank you for helping my partner when I couldn’t reach him,” Martinez said in a statement.
“I appreciate everyone that helped, it could have gone a lot different without you there,” Cavazos said.
“Thank you Lubbock citizens for watching over our deputies,” the sheriff’s office said. “Additionally, the Sheriff would like to thank the citizens who came to our deputies’ aid yesterday. If you were on scene holding a ladder, on a radio, holding a deputy, or offering support, please reach out to our department so we can thank you properly.”
The accident remains under investigation. In the meantime, Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe at a press conference on Tuesday reminded motorists to pay attention to emergency vehicles, and move out of the way.
“When you see those emergency vehicles on the side of the road, get over,” he said. “Or slow down, as the law clearly, clearly states. You know, if you can’t get over for some reason or if that lane happens to be blocked or something, you need to slow down.”