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.
TURLOCK – A Turlock Police Officer was injured when he was involved in a crash while trying to stop a speeding vehicle Tuesday.
The crash happened in the area of Palm Street and Hawkeye Avenue. The officer, whom authorities identified as Gavin Allison, had his lights and sirens on as he was trying to catch up to a speeding driver when he was involved in a collision with another motorist.
Officer Allison suffered moderate injuries that required stitches to his arm and leg, but is expected to make a full recovery. The other motorist involved in the crash was not injured. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Rocha at (209) 668-5550 extension 6130.
MODESTO – Emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Claus Road Monday morning.
The crash was reported near the area of Claus Road and Cedar Creek Drive at about 8:00am. Early reports indicate a pickup truck and another vehicle collided before the pickup hit a tree.
Arriving personnel reported one motorist appeared to have a broken leg.
MERCED COUNTY – A 20 year old woman was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash claimed the lives of two people.
The crash was reported at about 12:19am on Highway 165 near Turner Avenue. According to California Highway Patrol, 20 year old Melissa Rosales of Los Banos was driving a BMW SUV at high speeds south on Highway 165 when she crossed lanes at a curve. Her vehicle crashed into an oncoming Honda Accord driven by a 41 year old man from Ceres with a juvenile passenger. Both occupants of the Honda were killed in the crash.
Rosales suffered major injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Officials say she was under the influence at the time of the crash and faces DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.
All involved persons were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.