Passerby rescues motorist in New Year’s car fire

A vehicle is fully engulfed after a rollover early Monday morning in Warren Township. A passerby rescued the driver before first responders arrived on the scene.

Courtesy Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

CLOVERDALE — While local law enforcement reported several traffic stops and crashes on New Year’s Eve, a motorist was rescued in one dramatic incident.

First responders were dispatched early Monday morning for a rollover on U.S. 40 in Warren Township. The 2007 Hummer H3 in question was reported to be on fire.

Along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department and Putnam County EMS responded to the scene. It was stated that the vehicle was fully involved on their arrival.

Before that, though, an unidentified passerby stopped at the inverted vehicle as the driver, Danny Carrell, 41, South Bend, was trapped inside. The passerby busted out a window and pulled Carrell to safety. They were standing in the median upon first responders' arrival.

Carrell was transported to Putnam County Hospital for evaluation. He was later arrested and booked in the Putnam County Jail on operating while intoxicated-refusal and not admitting to being the driver.

Trimble Towing recovered the vehicle after the scene was secured.

The investigating officer was Deputy Josh Clark.

“Deputy Clark’s arrestee was very lucky he got to sober up in jail,” the sheriff’s office commented about the incident. “The outcome could have been much worse.”