A Leesburg, Ala., woman was rescued from her overturned car Monday by deputies and police officers who leaped into Weiss Lake and righted the car to get to her.
Cherokee County, Ala., Sheriff Jeff Shaver is applauding the officers who rendered aid, possibly saving the unidentified woman's life.
Shaver thanked Cherokee County deputies Jeremy Stepps and Tyler Perea, Reserve Deputy Hunter Brisendine, Cedar Bluff Police Officer Chris Vaughn, Centre Police Officer Daniel Wooten and Gaylesville Firefighter Chris Storey "for their quick response and heroic actions in this dangerous situation."
The accident happened around 9 p.m. CST Monday on Alabama Highway 9 at Blackwell's Crossroads where a Nissan Altima driven by the Leesburg woman ran off the road and overturned in the flooded waters of the lake, according to Shaver. A passiing motorists saw the accident and flagged down a deputy.
Officers performed CPR on the woman until emergency medical officials arrived to take her to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Her condition was unknown, Shaver said.
Officers and members of the Cherokee County Rescue Squad searched the water for a second victim for about 30 minutes but it was determined later that the driver was alone in the car, Shaver said.
Contact staff writer Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or twitter.com/BenBenton or www.facebook.com/ben.benton1 or 423-757-6569.
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