Good Samaritan, Deputies Save Woman From Burning Building In SD County

VISTA, CA — Sheriff's deputies and a good Samaritan came to the rescue Friday of a woman trapped in a burning home in Vista.

Deputies responding to a report of a house fire in the 200 block of West Bobier Drive shortly after 1:30 a.m. Friday arrived to find the residence engulfed in flames, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Alerted by a bystander that there was a woman inside the burning structure, Deputy Robert Oliveri entered through the front door and crawled through the smoky interior to find her, sheriff's Lt. Matthew Carpenter said.

As Oliveri made his way to the victim, Deputy Craig Vanden Bossche and the citizen who had informed the lawmen about the trapped person were able to communicate with her through an open window, Carpenter said.

Moments later, Vanden Bossche and the good Samaritan, whose name was withheld, pulled the woman to safety through a window with the help of Oliveri.

The rescued woman was transported to a hospital in undisclosed condition. Oliveri was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

"I am incredibly proud of each deputy who responded to the call," Carpenter said. "I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to the courageous community member who risked his safety to help a stranger. His bravery and quick response played an essential role in saving a life."

City News Service