Hero Tow Truck Driver Rescues Harris County Constable From Burning Patrol Vehicle (TX) "Updated 08.17.22"

[TowForce]

Tow Truck Driver Rescues Harris County Constable From Burning Patrol Vehicle

 

 

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A wrecker driver in Houston is being called a hero after pulling a law enforcement officer out of a burning patrol vehicle.

 

It happened at around 2:30 A.M. Tuesday when a Harris County Deputy Constable had stopped her patrol vehicle in the shoulder of the highway.

 

That’s when a utility truck slammed into her, pushing the vehicle into a retaining wall. The impact caused the vehicle to burst into flames with the Constable trapped inside.

 

 

A wrecker driver Richard Borgston just happened to be driving by when he heard a loud crash, then an explosion.

After stopping his wrecker, Richard ran to the burning patrol vehicle, searching frantically for the inured constable.

 

Richard tried opening the doors but they were locked.

 

It was then that he saw the constable’s hand pull back an air bag as thick smoke filled the vehicle. Richard began punching the window but wasn’t able to shatter it. So he ran back to his wrecker for a tire iron, using the tool to break into the patrol vehicle then pulling the constable out.

 

But the ordeal wasn’t quite over. Ammunition kept inside the patrol vehicle started going off as they walked away from the burning vehicle.

 

Richard, the constable and the workers in the truck that hit her all ducked for cover. None of the them were hurt by the exploding ammo.

 

However, the constable and two of the men in the truck that hit her patrol vehicle were brought to a hospital with what are called non-life threatening injuries.

 

As far as Richard is concerned, he tells the TV station he’s no hero. He says he was trying to help a fellow human being.

 

Police are investigating the crash.

 

RESOURCE LINK

[TowForce]

 

[TowForce]

Tow truck driver recognized for pulling Pct. 8 deputy from burning car

Richard Borgstrom was recognized by Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin, Executive Director Roberto Trevino of the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for pulling Precinct 8 Deputy Kiana LeMelle for her burning patrol car after a crash.

 

A tow truck driver was recognized for taking life-saving action when a Harris County Pct. 8 deputy's patrol vehicle caught on fire after a crash last month.

On Tuesday, Richard Borgstrom was presented with recognition awards by Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin, Harris County Toll Road Authority Executive Director Roberto Trevino, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

 

Precinct 8 Deputy Kiana LeMelle was injured in a crash in the 1300 block of the East Sam Houston Parkway over San Augustine Street around 2 a.m. July 26.

 

The constable’s office says she was parked in the shoulder of the roadway monitoring traffic when a commercial vehicle veered onto the shoulder and struck her patrol vehicle from behind. Her vehicle caught fire.

 

Authorities say Borgstrom was nearby, heard the collision and came to help the deputy who was trapped inside of her patrol vehicle.

Borgstrom broke a window to pull Deputy LeMelle out moments before the flames reached the driver's cabin, the constable's office said.

 

"Mr. Borgstrom, who without regard for his own personal safety, did not hesitate to act in a life-threatening situation. His efforts undoubtedly saved Deputy LeMelle’s life, and we are forever grateful for his actions that night," Constable Sandlin said.

 

Deputy LeMelle was taken to the hospital. Officials said her injuries were not life-threatening, and she was released from the hospital later that day.

Two people in the other vehicle also sustained minor injuries, authorities said.

 

Follow Link for extended coverage of the award ceremony.

https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tow-truck-driver-honored-harris-county-pct-8-deputy-crash

[Moose]

Now that is one that is worthy of a HERO Award... Maybe he will be able to make it to Baltimore. Really would like to go back there myself.