Deputies and bystander save driver from nearby burning car

Bystander Mikel Lessary and three Rutherford County deputies rescued an injured man away from his burning vehicle Saturday on Interstate 24.

Lessary told News Channel 5 he stopped and ran toward the vehicle. He said he saw a seriously injured man collapse to the ground. He heard a boom from the vehicle and tried to move the man away.

Sheriff’s Patrol Sgt. Brady Greene reported Deputy Anna Olson responded moments later where she found the unresponsive man within feet of the flames.

Olson and Lessary attempted to move the man. Deputy Bryan Tyrie and Deputy Christopher Young arrived about 30 seconds later.

“They moved the man a safe distance away from the burning vehicle,” Greene reported. “About two to three minutes later, the flames from the wrecked vehicle spread in the direction of where deputies located him.”

Greene believes the actions of the three deputies and the bystander saved the man’s life.

EMS paramedics evaluated the man who was transported to the hospital in stable condition.