Arizona Sheriff's Helicopter Crew Rescues Man from Overturned Truck in Flash Flood
A dramatic five-minute hoist rescue was performed by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office after a man was found stranded atop his submerged vehicle.
A man was rescued from atop his overturned truck by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office's helicopter crew on Tuesday morning after he became stranded in rapidly rising floodwaters. The incident occurred in Tonopah, Arizona, where the sheriff's office's Fox 1 aviation crew responded to a flooded wash.
Upon arrival, deputies found the man perched on the roof of his overturned truck, with muddy floodwaters rushing around the vehicle. Due to the dangerous and fast-moving water, officials determined that a direct ground approach was too risky. A hoist rescue was deemed the safest method to extract the man.
Video footage released by the sheriff's office captured the moments of the rescue. A crew member was lowered from the helicopter to the stranded man, securing him in a rescue harness. Both were then hoisted to safety. The entire operation concluded in less than five minutes.
The rescued man was transported to the riverbank, where fire personnel were waiting. The pilot of the helicopter, Rich Dickner, told CBS News that the water level rose significantly around the truck during the time they were on scene, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office commended the aviation crew for their swift actions, stating, “Thanks to the skill and quick response of our Aviation crew, the subject was safely brought to shore.”
The area has experienced significant rainfall due to the remnants of Hurricane Polo, leading to dangerous flash flooding conditions. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County reminded the public to exercise caution, urging drivers to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" when encountering flooded roadways.