Body camera footage captured the frantic moments when Atlanta Police Department officers freed a man who was trapped in his car during a fiery crash.
It happened in the early morning hours Sunday (November 14). Officers responded to a car fire hat the intersection of Oliver Street NW and North Avenue NW, quickly receiving an update that the fire started because of a traffic crash, and a person was still inside the vehicle, according to the Atlanta Police Department. Officers worked to pry the car door open to free the driver, but “the door handle on the car was missing/and or malfunctioning and there was no way to open the door.” That’s when officers shattered the window to pull the man to safety. Police say evidence shows the vehicle went airborne “and traveled completely through two houses” — including one that was occupied — before hitting a tree and catching fire.
The Atlanta Police Department noted:
“The quick thinking, and bravery exhibited by Officer Adams and Officer Todd saved the occupant from a tragic outcome. The officers had no idea if that fire would result in an explosion which would put their lives in danger, instead they were focused on saving the driver. These are the humble, yet heroic moments in an officer’s day, which never make media headlines. This is what they do 24/7. We could not be prouder of these two officers. Their response to this incident exemplifies our highest ideals and training.”
See the body cam footage here: