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.
MODESTO – A man was taken to a hospital for care after he was found shot on West Hatch Road.
Deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a person shot Tuesday evening New Year’s Eve.
The incident happened on the 2500 block of West Hatch Road west of Parkdale Drive. Early reports indicate a man who was shot ran into a nearby convenience store for help. The extent of his injuries was unknown.
Firefighters and medical personnel provided care for the victim and transported him by ambulance to a hospital.
Deputies searched the area for any signs of where the shooting may have taken place. So far the circumstances or any description of a suspect were unknown at time of publication.
MODESTO – A pedestrian was injured Thursday morning after they were struck by a vehicle on a busy roadway.
The incident happened shortly before 9:00am near the intersection of Oakdale Road and Claratina Avenue. Early indications suggest the pedestrian may have run into traffic before being struck by a vehicle. The person was thrown by the impact.
Fire and medical personnel responded to provide care, but the extent of injuries was not clear late Thursday morning. Modesto Police and CHP Officers responded to investigate the collision.
MODESTO – Traffic safety officers with the Modesto Police Department investigated a collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian in a motorized scooter Wednesday afternoon.
The collision happened shortly before 5:00pm on Briggsmore Avenue near Coffee Road. Early indications suggest the scooter and vehicle were traveling west on Briggsmore Avenue when the collision happened.
Life-saving attempts were made but the pedestrian did not survive. The involved motorist remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Westbound Briggsmore Avenue was closed for the duration of the investigation.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact Officer Kyle Johnson at johnsonk@modestopd.com.