Watch: Fla. Deputies Rescue Woman Just Before Car Sinks in Canal

Broward County sheriff’s deputies and an off-duty firefighter raced to save an elderly woman trapped inside a vehicle as it sank into a Pompano Beach canal.
June 8, 2026
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What to know

  • Broward County deputies and an off-duty firefighter rescued an elderly woman after her vehicle plunged into a canal and began sinking in Pompano Beach on May 1.
  • The deputies swam to the submerged vehicle and shattered a window moments before it went under, pulling the trapped driver to safety.
  • Officials said the rescue came down to seconds, crediting the quick response for saving the woman’s life.

Florida deputies, along with an off-duty firefighter, saved an elderly woman after her vehicle plunged into and began sinking into a canal last month.

The rescue happened at around 10:30 a.m. May 1 when Broward Sheriff's Office Det. Robert Rutkowski and Deputy Zachary Kerin responded to a vehicle crash into a canal in Pompano Beach, according to the agency. When Rutkowski and Kerin reached the scene, they discovered was trapped inside the vehicle as it was sinking. 

Helped by an off-duty Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue captain Keith Costa, the deputies jumped into the water and swam out to the vehicle. Seconds before the vehicle became fully submerged, Kerin shattered a window, and rescuers were able to pull the woman safely to shore.

“The body-worn camera footage shows an incredible rescue,” Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said. “It shows the difference between tragedy and survival was measured in just seconds. The driver is alive today because of their quick actions.” 

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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