An Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy risked his life to rescue a driver from a damaged building after the driver crashed his semi-trailer truck into the structure, which was on the verge of collapse.

The 40-year-old driver was incoherent, according to a police report, after he crashed his truck into a building on the east side of M-24 north of Oakdell Road just before 2 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Mendez was the first to respond after being tipped off about the crash by a motorist while on routine patrol, according to a Facebook post from the Charter Township of Oxford.

According to the post, Mendez entered the “severely damaged” building to rescue the driver, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

“The building was structurally unsound due to the crash and gave the appearance that it could collapse at any minute, but Deputy Mendez went inside anyway to check on the driver and render assistance,” Sgt. Lenz said. “Tending to the driver was his top priority. He put himself in harm’s way to achieve that goal. I’m proud of him. We all are. We will be requesting that Deputy Mendez receive a commendation for bravery from the sheriff’s office.”

The driver was transported McLaren Oakland Hospital. Drugs and alcohol were not involved in the crash, which is still under investigation.

Oxford Township expressed their admiration for the officers’ bravery.

“Excellent work, Deputy Mendez! We salute you! Oxford Twp. wishes to commend Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Miguel Mendez for his quick and selfless actions,” the post read.

Oakland County is part of the Detroit metropolitan area, located northwest of the city.