Officers Recognized For Rescuing Driver Following Fiery Crash In Round Lake

By Sam Borcia, Lake & McHenry County Scanner

Two police officers were awarded this week for their actions in saving the life of an unconscious driver who crashed and their vehicle caught on fire in Round Lake.

The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District and Round Lake Police Department responded around 9:59 p.m. on August 6 to Route 120 and Wildspring Road in Round Lake for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.

Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Tony Carraro said at the time that firefighters arrived to find a single-vehicle crash involving a 2020 Tesla Model 3.

The Tesla sustained damage to the front end, roof and rear end after coming to a rest in the raised median on Wildspring Road just south of Route 120.

Fire crews found flames coming from the occupant compartment and the lithium-ion battery compartment, Carraro said.

The driver, who was the sole occupant, was found unconscious inside the vehicle.

Officer Nicholas Bowman and Officer Patrick McWard along with a bystander were able to rescue the driver from the car just as fire crews arrived.

The driver was transported by ambulance to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

One of the Round Lake officers was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation but did not require transport to the hospital, Carraro said.

Additional fire companies were requested to the scene to assist with extinguishing the fire.

A-Tire towing crews assisted by flipping the car on its passenger side to enable firefighters to access the battery compartment of the vehicle.

Firefighters worked for nearly two hours and used approximately 10,000 gallons of water to extinguish the battery compartment fire, Carraro said.

Bowman and McWard were both presented with lifesaving awards during the Round Lake Village Board meeting on Monday.

“We commend their bravery and hard work, which directly resulted in saving someone’s life!” the Round Lake Police Department said.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.