Heroes Story: Deputies Rescue 82-Year-Old Woman From Sinking SUV

PLANT CITY, FL - Two Hillsborough County deputies rescued an 82-year-old woman after she drove her SUV into a pond near Plant City.

Deputies Benjamin Thompson and Trent Migues responded to a report about 5 p.m. Saturday of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Alexander Road North and Paul Buchman Highway (State Road 39).

While en route, a dispatcher updated the deputies that the SUV had entered a pond and the driver was still inside. When both deputies arrived, they entered the water, smashed a vehicle window and removed the driver Leona Evans, 82, of Webster, just moments before the SUV sank under the water.

Thompson suffered several lacerations to his face and arms from the broken car window. He was treated and released by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue at the scene.

Evans’ vehicle was traveling westbound on Paul Buchman Highway, east of Alexander Street, when it left the roadway. The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe collided with a utility pole, became airborne, crossed an embankment, hit a chain-link fence and entered the pond.

Evans was transported to Lakeland Regional for injuries sustained during the crash. She is listed in serious condition.

Image via Florida Highway Patrol