A Cheboygan County, Michigan Sheriff's deputy and two passersby pulled an elderly man from his burning vehicle earlier this month before it became engulfed in flames.
Deputy Jeremy Runstrom was dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover crash involving a Ford Explorer with a driver trapped in the median of I-75 N/B at the 296 mile marker around 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, according to MLive.com.
Runstrom noticed a vehicle on fire and on its side, and could see a civilian attempting to kick the windshield in to free the driver. The deputy rushed over and was able to open the moon roof window with his "window punch." With the help of the first civilian and another, he pulled the driver out of the vehicle and dragged him to safety.
As soon as they freed the driver and moved away from the burning vehicle, Runstrom looked back to see the vehicle engulfed in flames.
The 71-year-old driver, identified as John Stenbak, sustained a severe laceration to his head and back pain and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
"There is absolutely no doubt these three men saved that man's life" Sheriff Dale Clarmont told the news outlet. "They had about 10 seconds left before it would have been too late."
