Sheriff's Deputy Saves Woman from Burning Vehicle​

ENCINITAS, CA - A sheriff's deputy from the North Coastal Station pulled a woman to safety from a fiery crash early Sunday morning.

Deputy Steve Gusman saw what he thought was a cloud of fog rolling in from the ocean while driving on Manchester Avenue in Encinitas. But when he drove through the area he smelled smoke, according to the sheriff's department.

The deputy found a dark colored Honda Civic that had crashed off the roadway billowing smoke and a red glow coming from underneath the vehicle. Deputy Gusman also heard a female voice coming from inside, authorities said.

The driver appeared to be in shock and informed Gusman she couldn't move. He immediately pulled the woman from the smoking vehicle and carried her to safety just before the car was fully engulfed in flames, according to the department.

The 54-year-old female driver was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. She was treated by medics before being booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

- Image via San Diego County Sheriff's