A pickup rolled backward off the Blue Heron Park boat launch in Moses Lake around 4:30 a.m., sinking with a 65-year-old man asleep inside. A bystander jumped into the water, forced open a window, pulled the man to shore and began CPR; officers and medics continued life-saving efforts and the man was taken to hospital in critical condition. Investigators found the gear selector was not in Park and discovered drug paraphernalia; the truck was impounded and the probe is ongoing.
Heroic Rescue at Moses Lake: Bystander Pulls 65-Year-Old From Submerged Pickup
Image Credit: Moses Lake Police Department / Facebook.
What began as an early-morning trip to a boat launch in Moses Lake, Washington turned into a dramatic rescue when a pickup truck rolled backward off the ramp and sank with a 65-year-old man asleep inside.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. at the Blue Heron Park boat launch, where three people were preparing to put a boat in the water. According to the Moses Lake Police Department, the man was asleep in the pickup's back seat when the vehicle began sliding down the ramp and into the lake. He was still inside as the truck submerged.
A nearby bystander heard the commotion and immediately entered the water. The Good Samaritan forced open a window, pulled the man from the submerged vehicle and brought him to shore. That rescuer began CPR, and officers arriving on scene continued chest compressions until medics took over. The man was transported to a hospital in critical condition; authorities have not released an updated condition.
Investigation Underway
Investigators determined the pickup's gear selector was not in Park when the vehicle rolled into the lake. It remains unclear whether the truck slipped out of gear or had never been properly secured. During the on-scene investigation, officers also found drug paraphernalia and packaging in and around the vehicle. The truck was impounded pending a search warrant, and police say the investigation is ongoing; charges may follow depending on the results.
Safety Reminder
This episode is a stark reminder that a apparently parked vehicle on a ramp can move without warning. Drivers should always double-check that the gear selector is in Park and the parking brake is set when near water. At the same time, the incident highlights the lifesaving impact of quick action by a bystander willing to risk their own safety.
Officials have not released further details about the man's medical condition or whether the paraphernalia is connected to the events. Police said they will provide more information as the investigation continues.
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