Good Samaritan Saves Two Women from Freezing Crash Wreckage
A Good Samaritan is being credited with saving two women after witnessing their SUV crash into a creek in Centennial and staying at the scene to direct first responders. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrived at South Lima Street and East Arapahoe Road around 1 a.m. on Feb. 22, where they waded through chest-deep, ice-cold water to reach the overturned vehicle.
Deputies followed a trail of debris and tire tracks before discovering the SUV submerged in the creek, with the two women, ages 24 and 22, trapped inside. One was rescued through a rear door, while the other had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life by South Metro Fire Rescue. Officials said the women had been submerged for 15 to 20 minutes with only inches of breathing room, and without the witness’s help, they likely would not have survived.
Both women were transported to the hospital with minor injuries despite the severity of the crash. Authorities later confirmed they were highly intoxicated, and the driver was charged with DUI. Patrol Lt. Mike Reed emphasized the critical role the witness played, saying, “Had we not found them at that moment, they would have succumbed to hypothermia within minutes.
