MECHANIC FALLS, Maine — A teen driver was rescued early Wednesday morning from the wreckage of his burning car by a police officer and a man driving by the chaotic scene on his way to work.
Aryn Johnson, 19, crashed his car and it burst into flames as Mechanic Falls police officer Andre Chasse pried away the windshield, WMTW reported.
Chasse and a driver passing by on his way to work were able to pull Johnson from the car and to safety, police dashcam video shows.
Johnson was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released.
“I’m so thankful that I’m alive. It’s unbelievable,” Johnson told WMTW. “God bless (them). If there is anything I can do for them, buy them a meal, I would love to.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
In the early hours of March 17,2021, Officer Chasse responded to a motor vehicle crash. The operator was entrapped and the vehicle began smoking. As Officer Chasse began to try and peel the windshield away from the car, the vehicle ignited into flames. Officer Chasse, with the help of a citizen who was on his way into work, were able to pry the windshield away from the vehicle. The operator was injured which caused Officer Chasse to have to carry the occupant from the vehicle and to safety. If not for Officer Chasse's quick and heroic actions the occupants outcome may not have been the same. Attached is a video taken from the dash camera recording. Thank you to Officer Chasse, your actions exemplify our department, town and profession.
Posted by Mechanic Falls Police Department on Wednesday, March 17, 2021
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