Jennings County deputies rescue driver trapped in high water

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched Wednesday afternoon to the area of County Roads 700W and 400S in reference to a vehicle that was stranded in high water with a male subject trapped inside.

Dispatch advised that the water was rising and that the male subject sounded like he was gasping for air.

Upon arrival, Deputy Owen Miller, Detective Garrett Hoppock, Lt. Thomas Mellencamp, and Officer Chris Allen of the North Vernon Police Department quickly assessed the scene. Due to the rapidly evolving situation, they entered the water to rescue the male.

Law enforcement officers were driven approximately halfway out to the car by a volunteer firefighter. They then walked the rest of the way in waist-high water that was flowing rapidly.

When they arrived at the vehicle, deputies made contact with the male occupant, who had water up to his neck. They were able to open the back hatch of the car and pull the man out to safety.

Authorities remind drivers not to drive through water. It puts everyone at risk. Violators will be cited.