Wharton, NJ officers save driver after wrong turn into canal

Driving in the dark certainly gets more difficult as you get older.

Add driving rain and unfamiliar roads and it could get dangerous.

Earlier this month, an 86-year-old man drove his car into a local canal in Wharton, Morris County.

A rainy night and a wrong turn in Wharton

It was a rainy Friday night in June and the man plunged into the water while attempting to make a U-turn in the dark. Reportedly, he thought the water ahead was pavement.

The car filled with water, with the driver trapped inside. Enter local police who were alerted to the crash and responded within minutes.

Fortunately, Lt. Michael Arroyo and Officer Michael Flora were the first on scene and were met by a Good Samaritan, who told them the driver was still inside the submerged vehicle.

The power locks and power windows were no longer working and without help, the driver would likely drown.

Wharton officers rushed into the canal to save the driver

Without hesitation, the officers entered the water with Lt. Arroyo getting to the vehicle first and smashing through a window to gain access to the driver.

Moments later, Officer Matthew Acevedo arrived to assist.

Working together, the officers were able to guide the victim out through the driver's side window.

At the deepest point, the canal is approximately eight feet deep, enough to completely submerge a vehicle.

Fortunately, officers were able to bring the man safely back to shore before conditions became even more dangerous.

Remarkably, he was not injured.

Lt. Arroyo said:

“The gentleman got lucky...If he went in slower and nose first, he could’ve been completely submerged. He went in, he hit the gas, so he was able to come up a little bit."
"He was on his knees. The water was up to the steering wheel, but he had enough room to breathe."

Because Lt. Arroyo, Officer Flora, and Officer Acevedo acted quickly and put themselves in harm's way, an elderly driver was rescued from a potentially deadly situation.

Wharton Police Lt. Michael Arroyo and Officers Michael Flora and Matthew Acevedo are our Blue Friday honorees this week.

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Gallery Credit: The Associated Press

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own.

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