Officer Saves Man In Wheelchair Trapped On Tracks Seconds Before Train Barrels Through

Aug 14, 2020

We often talk about the term 'everyday hero,' but it's not often that we get to see one in action. Lodi Police Department officer Erika Urrea embodies this term. She showed her superhero qualities when she saved a 66-year-old man in a wheelchair who was stuck on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near Lodi Avenue, just moments before a train rushed across the tracks.

The man had been attempting to cross the tracks in his wheelchair when it got stuck and he was unable to free himself, reports Lodi News. The man was also carrying a cane which suggested he was unable to physically escape from the situation, leaving him trapped and in need of assistance. Luckily for him, Officer Erika Urrea was on patrol. She saw the man and knew she had to help.

To make matters worse, as soon as she spotted him, the railroad crossing gate began to chime–a train was approaching at speed. Officer Urrea, who has been a member of the Lodi Police Department for 14 years, struggled to free the chair so she only had one option: drag the man from the chair to safety. 

Sgt. Steve Maynard explained to Lodi News:

“A northbound train was traveling pretty fast, and she rushed over to get him unstuck. She only had a few seconds, and for some reason, she couldn’t get the chair loose, so she grabbed hold of him and hauled him from the chair.”

Officer Urrea did what she had to do just in time. She and the man both fell backward as the train barreled across the tracks. The train struck the man's legs, but Officer Urrea and her colleague tended to this at the scene.

The event was terrifying for the pair but thankfully it had a happy ending. Although the 66-year-old man was taken to hospital for medical treatment on the leg injuries sustained in the incident, he is in a stable condition after the ordeal, reports Lodi News.

Officer Urrea's bodycam captured the dramatic scene. “My heart stopped (while) watching this. What an amazing woman, an amazing human being, and an absolutely incredible officer,” Christy Marie commented.

The Lodi Police Department showed their appreciation in a post stating “Officer Urrea risked her own life to save another and her actions prevented a tragedy today. We are extremely proud of Officer Erika Urrea and her heroism.” We are truly lucky to have such amazing humans willing to help others unconditionally.

What do you think about this act of bravery from Officer Erika Urrea? What's the bravest thing you've ever witnessed? Let us know in the comments!