Deputy’s Shot Saves Couple From Burning Car

PARRISH, FL — An off-duty Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy is being called a hero after he stepped in to save a couple trapped in a burning car on Sunday.

According to the sheriff’s office, Neil Cook, 64, and his wife, Claudia, 63, were driving on Moccasin Wallow Road around 2:30 p.m. Aug. 20 when Neil noticed smoke coming from the car.

Get the Bradenton Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Neil, the sheriff’s office said, quickly pulled over onto the grassy shoulder and then realized the vehicle was on fire. Neil and Claudia attempted to flee the burning vehicle immediately, but discovered “none of the electronic windows or locks would work,” an email from the sheriff’s office said.

Just as Claudia and Neil realized they couldn’t get out of the vehicle, Deputy Willie Finklea happened upon the scene. The off-duty deputy was out for a ride on his motorcycle with his wife, the sheriff’s office said.

Like Bradenton Patch on Facebook and keep reading below:

As Finklea dashed to help the Cooks, his wife called 911.

Unable to gain access to the vehicle, Finklea “used his personal firearm and fired one shot into the left side rear window to gain entry,” the sheriff’s office reported. Once he could get inside, Finklea pulled Claudia to safety while Neil crawled out.

“Due to Deputy Finklea’s quick action, there were no serious injuries,” the agency said.

It is unclear if the Cooks required medical attention after their ordeal. Further information is not yet available.

Photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office