DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Three Massachusetts police officers didn’t think twice before they jumped into cold water and rescued two people from a car that was sinking in a lake in Dartmouth.
According to the Dartmouth Police Department, the crash happened around 10:45 p.m. Friday in the area of 950 State Road. Responding officers found a 2016 Ford Focus submerged in 6-7 feet of water in Lake Noquochoke.
As the two occupants of the vehicle were trapped inside, Dartmouth police officers Justin Amaral and Joseph Hilchey, along with Westport police Officer Jeremy Dellecese, immediately removed their duty gear and entered the water.
Officials said the officers swam approximately 100 feet out to the vehicle and were able to get both people out of the car safely. With the help of other emergency personnel who also responded to the scene of the crash, the officers were able to get the two occupants of the vehicle back to shore.
Both people from the crash including one police officer were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where they were treated and released for exposure and minor injuries.
“Had it not been for the selfless acts of these officers, this unfortunate incident could have turned out much worse,” Dartmouth Deputy Police Chief Troy Vincent said in a statement. “Not only do I applaud their heroic efforts, but also those of our dispatchers and the other first responders associated with this crash and subsequent rescue.”
Though the crash remains under investigation, Dartmouth police said it appears as if alcohol and speed — as well as a lack of knowledge of the area — all contributed to the crash.
According to Dartmouth police the driver of the vehicle that crashed into Lake Noquochoke, a 21-year-old North Attleborough man, is expected to receive citations associated with the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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