COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman issued a Letter of Commendation after a sergeant and a pair of good Samaritans rescued a deputy's father from a vehicle before it was hit by a train.
According to Countryman, Deputy Marcus Street's father was on Macon Road, near Garrett Road, when he was hit from behind by a vehicle that was going approximately 80 miles per hour.
The crash knocked Street's father onto a railroad tie on the tracks at Ingrillis Road and that's when Sgt. Earl Osbon, who was off-duty, witnessed the accident and jumped into action.
Countryman says Osbon rushed to the vehicle to provide aid.
The passenger was able to be taken out of the vehicle, but the driver had suffered injuries and it was advised not to move him until paramedics arrived by a nurse on scene, according to Countryman.
Osbon attempted to have dispatch make contact with the railroad company, but that was unsuccessful as a train was seen coming towards the group that was aimed towards hitting the vehicle.
Countryman says flagging down the conductor was not working and law enforcement had not arrived yet, so Osbon made huge decision.
Osbon then extracted Street's father from the vehicle by picking him up from the seat with both arms, who was also assisted by two good Samaritans who have been identified as Tyler Routen and Bobby Gray.
The task was risky and extremely difficult Countryman said as the driver's side door would not stay open, as group each took up one of the driver's legs to help get him to safety before the train came.
Osbon reportedly fell on the way down but ensured the driver did not suffer further injury.
He yelled to the two pedestrians to get Street's father to safety and they did so, just as the train hit the car, which placed Osbon in danger of being struck.
Countryman says everyone involved was safe and Street's father was discharged from the hospital and is doing OK.
Countryman thanked Osbon's selfless actions and quick thinking, which led to a possible tragedy being prevented.
He commended Osbon and the two citizens for their heroic efforts on Thursday.
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