Bodycam Video Shows Clearwater Officers Rescuing Driver From Sinking Car
By: -----
Clearwater, FL - The City of Clearwater has released body camera footage showing two police officers swimming into a pond to rescue an unresponsive driver whose car went underwater following a crash.
Emergency crews from Clearwater Police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded to the scene at 6:34 p.m. near the intersection of McMullen Booth Road and Enterprise Road. When Officers Jonathan Hurt and Hunter Smaldone arrived, the vehicle was rapidly sinking into the pond.
Footage shows both officers swimming out to the car to reach the driver. They initially tried to open the driver-side door, but found it locked.
After attempting to speak to the driver through the window without a response, Officer Hurt broke the glass, unlocked the door, and pulled the woman out of the vehicle.
Officers Hurt and Smaldone brought the 45-year-old driver back to shore safely. She was then transported to Mease Countryside Hospital for medical treatment.
Because poor visibility in the murky water made it impossible to check the back seat from the surface, a fire department diver went into the pond shortly after to search the vehicle. The diver confirmed the driver was the only occupant.