ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A Rowan County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a fiery vehicle collision Tuesday at 5:24 p.m. near Old Cress Road and Shue Road. Deputy John Stevens’ patrol vehicle caught fire after the crash, prompting Deputy Mason Doby to rescue him and the other injured driver involved in the incident, officials said.
Deputies Stevens and Doby with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office were responding with emergency lights and siren to a report of an 8-year-old child observed alone in the roadway. While en route to check on the welfare of the child, Deputy Stevens’ patrol vehicle collided with another vehicle after that driver reportedly swerved into the deputy’s lane.
The other driver was attempting to avoid other vehicles that had stopped and were yielding the right of way to the responding deputies.
The collision caused Deputy Stevens’ patrol vehicle to run off the roadway into a field, where the vehicle caught fire.
Deputy Doby, who was responding directly behind Deputy Stevens, immediately stopped and approached Deputy Stevens’ vehicle which had smoke coming from the engine.
Deputy Doby deflated the airbag so that he could better assess Deputy Stevens’ injuries, the sheriff said.
Deputy Stevens advised Deputy Doby that he thought his leg may be broken. Deputy Doby saw flames visible through the windshield.
Deputy Doby immediately pulled Deputy Stevens from the burning patrol vehicle and dragged him several feet to ensure he was a safe distance away. As Deputy Doby moved Deputy Stevens, witnesses alerted him that the other involved vehicle was also beginning to smoke.
After ensuring Deputy Stevens was safely away from his burning patrol vehicle, Deputy Doby went to the other vehicle.
He discovered the driver had sustained serious injuries and assisted him from the vehicle.
Both Deputy Stevens and the other driver were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Deputy Stevens was later released, but will continue to receive medical treatment for his injuries.
The other driver remains hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the crash. The driver of the other vehicle was cited for failing to reduce speed to avoid a collision, driving left of center, and failure to wear a seat belt.
Deputy Stevens will continue receiving medical treatment for the injuries he sustained in the collision. The other driver remains hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries.
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