NC Agency Thanks Bystander Who Pulled Officer from Burning Car

Police in Marion, NC, are thanking a citizen who pulled one of their officers out of a burning patrol car early Monday morning after a pickup truck crashed into her patrol car. Officer Breanna Toney was airlifted from the scene and remains hospitalized in Johnson City, TN, but is expected to recover, WLOS reported.

According to a statement by the Marion Police Department, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol found the pickup crossed the center line and struck Toney’s Dodge Charger as she was commuting to work. As a result of the collision her patrol car caught fire. However, due to her injuries and the damage to the vehicle she was not able to exit her patrol car.

“A brave citizen who came upon the collision scene, was able to eventually force the driver side door of the Dodge Charger open, and pull Officer Toney to safety,” the statement said. “Our agency would like to extend sincere gratitude to the brave citizen that stopped and pulled Officer Toney from the burning car.”

Police said they plan to recognize the individual at a later date.