Police officers in Tooele, Utah, are being praised for their bravery and resourcefulness after saving the life of a 12-year-old girl who was trapped and at risk of drowning inside a submerged vehicle at a popular local reservoir.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 3, at Settlement Canyon Reservoir, when a minivan drove off the road and fell 15 to 20 feet into the water. Two officers happened to be nearby, checking water levels to assess flood risks. When witnesses to the crash flagged them down to report the sinking vehicle, they abruptly sprang into action.
Upon arriving at the scene, police saw that two of the vehicle’s three occupants had already escaped, but a girl was still stuck inside the sinking van.
“It was pretty frantic for a few minutes,” onlooker Mike Kramer told KSL-TV. “It was a do-or-die situation. It wasn’t a situation where you could just sit there and think about it.”
Tooele Police Corporal Colbey Bentley recounted the dramatic rescue, describing how the officers wasted no time in diving into the water upon witnessing the minivan disappear beneath the surface.
However, the submerged vehicle presented a daunting challenge as attempts to open the doors or break the windows proved futile due to the immense pressure.
Undeterred, they demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness to gain access to the vehicle.
“Part of a police officer’s training is to think outside the box when necessary,” Bentley explained.
In a daring move, one of the officers fired a service weapon into the window and then smashed it open, allowing them to locate the girl trapped inside. With a stroke of luck, the officer felt an arm and managed to pull the unconscious child to safety.
Once ashore, medical services promptly attended to the young girl, who remained unresponsive and without a pulse. Determined efforts to revive her proved successful, and she regained consciousness before being transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities later transferred her to Salt Lake County hospital, where she was reported to be in good condition.
“We were lucky there were people here to see [the crash] happen,” Bentley said. “I can’t think of a better example of ‘right place, right time’ because if they’re not up there, I don’t think that girl makes it.”
The van, which had sunk approximately 11 feet below the murky water’s surface, was eventually recovered from the reservoir.
Witnesses revealed that the other occupants of the car were a 43-year-old woman and an unidentified boy.
After subsequent investigation, police believe the crash was due to stormy conditions.
The Tooele Police Department commended the heroic actions of its officers.
“This incident underscores the vital role our officers play in ensuring public safety,” Bentley stated. “Their swift response and resourcefulness undoubtedly saved this young girl’s life.”
