Video: Local Policeman Takes Quick Action At Fiery Car Crash

SHERMAN, MISS. (WCBI) – There were some tense moments this weekend as a Northeast Mississippi Police Officer answered a call about a two car wreck.

It was around 6 30 Sunday evening and Assistant Sherman Police Chief Jeff Turner was called to a two car wreck.  As he got close to the accident,, he knew it was serious.

“On the way to the scene, I saw a lot of smoke,” Turner said.

Police say a van heading east attempted to make a left turn into the parking lot of Vics, pulling into the path of a truck, driven by an off duty Tupelo firefighter, on his way to his second job at Toyota.  Both vehicles collided, and the van caught on fire.  The van’s driver escaped quickly. However, the driver of the truck couldn’t get out because his door was pinned shut.

A dashcam in the assistant chief’s car captured the next few frightening moments, as flames engulf the van, which is only a few feet from the firefighter’s truck.

Assistant Chief Turner says as the heat from the fire grew, he knew the danger facing him and the trapped driver.

“It did cross my mind, when I was standing between the vehicles, if it got to the gas tank, it could get pretty intense,” Turner said.

Turner was able to pull the truck’s driver from the passenger side, with the help of several motorists who had also stopped.

Still, the veteran officer does not believe he did anything heroic.

“It’s just, you just got a job to do and that’s what we do, whatever has to be done, it’s not the same thing everyday, you never know what you’re going to encounter and help people when they need help,” Turner said.

Sherman Police Chief Joel Spellins says Turner’s training kicked in.

“You know you’re there to help the people and you’re trying to do everything you can to protect the people at that time,” Chief Spellins said.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and the chief says that probably saved someone’s life.  Also, the off duty firefighter,  was treated for cuts and possible rib injuries.  He has been released from the hospital.

No citations were issued in the wreck