The chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department "without a second thought" helped pull an injured driver from an overturned car on I-70 tonight.
Chief Bryan Roach was leaving IMPD headquarters when he approached a crash that had left one vehicle on its top and another slightly damaged, according to the police department.
Roach, a concerned citizen and a nurse were able to get the injured driver out the upside-down vehicle. That driver, whose injuries were not believed to be serious. was taken to a hospital by a medic.
"Our community cares," Roach was quoted as saying in a statement the department issued. "A concerned witness, nurse and I all converged on the immediate needs of an accident victim without a second thought."
No other injuries were reported.
The CBS affiliate, cbs4indy.com (WTTV-TV), reports that the Indiana State Police identified the injured driver as Juan Flores, who was arrested on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated driving offense. The uninjured driver was released at the scene.
CBS4indy.com also reports that Roach's actions drew the attention of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, who released the following statement praising the chief he hired in January:
“Each day the IMPD Police Chief works to keep the over 900,000 residents of Indianapolis safe. This evening, Chief Roach demonstrated incredible bravery for the safety of one.
I am extremely proud of Chief Roach’s courage when confronted with this harrowing situation and am reminded once again that Indianapolis is lucky to have Chief Roach, and so many officers like him, who are always willing to get out of the car for the safety of our community.”
The police department, in a statement, also passed along appreciation to those who assisted the chief.
“The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department would like to thank all those who assisted Chief Roach and the injured driver. When citizens care, we are better and safer as a community.
Every day officers provide both critical and essential services to the Indianapolis community and the Chief’s actions today are yet another vivid example of that service and care.”
The ISP is continuing the crash investigation.
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