Community Rallies Around Lodi Grandfather, Officer Who Rescued Him.

LODI – A video uploaded by the Lodi Police Department to YouTube showing the instant actions of an officer to save a wheelchair bound man from an oncoming freight train gained national attention.

In the video, Lodi Police Officer Erika Urrea is seen driving her patrol vehicle in the area of Lodi Avenue when she noticed a wheelchair bound man stuck on train tracks. 

In the video Officer Urrea asks the man if he can get out of his wheelchair. She then starts telling the man to get up as she notices a train quickly approaching. 

A few seconds later Officer Urrea pulls the man off his wheelchair as the train passes by. She then asks for an ambulance.

She and assisting Officer Delgado tended to the man while they waited for an ambulance to arrive. 

A GoFundMe account identified the man as Jonathan, a 66 year old grandfather. He sustained a serious leg injury during the rescue and was rushed to a hospital.

On the GoFundMe account created by one of Jonathan’s grand kids, Ruby Mata, states “We are so thankful for her courageous act of heroism and we know that God put Officer Urrea in the right place at the right time. Heroes truly do exist, and thanks to her, my grandpa is alive and breathing.”

The account also states one of Jonathan’s legs had to be amputated and the other was fractured. 

Money is being raised to help replace his wheelchair and cover medical expenses. If you would like to donate to the account, CLICK HERE.