Flames were already taking hold when a bystander made a split-second choice to run toward a burning police cruiser—then help pull an injured officer out. Opposing Views, citing WBALTV 11, reports the Uniontown crash involved a police cruiser and a vehicle driven by a teenager. The impact left the cruiser badly damaged before it caught fire.
The rescue
According to Opposing Views, Daylan McLee saw the collision and ran to help. Police Capt. David Rutter was also working to reach the trapped officer, and the two tried to remove him before the fire spread.
Opposing Views reports the officer inside was in visible distress and reportedly urged rescuers not to move him because of a leg injury. As flames began pushing up into the passenger compartment, McLee and Rutter pulled the officer away from the burning vehicle, the outlet reports.
Officer identified; mayor weighs in
Opposing Views identifies the officer as Jay Hanley, who survived the crash and was taken to a hospital. The outlet also reports that Uniontown Mayor Bill Gerke said McLee’s response was consistent with how he has known him for years, describing McLee as concerned about others and the community.
Opposing Views further reports that McLee said he wasn’t focused on recognition, but on the person trapped in the car.
Source note
This account relies on Opposing Views’ report and its attribution to WBALTV 11. Photo credits in the source reference CBS Sunday Morning/YouTube.
