New Jersey trooper saves crash victim in Puerto Rico

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO (WTXF) - A New Jersey State trooper deployed to Puerto Rico for hurricane relief efforts came to the rescue when a man became trapped inside his car following a crash.

Around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Detective Sergeant Carlos Rodriguez arrived on the scene, where a car had run off the road and crashed into a palm tree. Once there, DSG Rodriguez discovered an unconscious driver trapped inside his car.

After several attempts to wake the driver were unsuccessful, DSG Rodriguez used his expandable baton to break the front passenger side window to get inside the car.

Once inside, DSG Rodriguez was able to revive the driver and help him from the car. He then reportedly brought him to a safe location, called for advance life support and ensured the driver's airway remained clear, as he was suffering from a medical condition at the time, which police say was a contributing factor in the crash.

The Puerto Rico Police Department recognized DSG Rodriguez later that day for his quick thinking and life-saving actions.

DSG Rodriguez is currently based in Puerto Rico as part of Operation New Jersey P.R.I.D.E, the Puerto Rico Integrated Deployment Effort, which was created to help residents affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.