Video captures heroic police officer helping pull driver out of burning car following crash

DAVIS, Calif. (KXTV) — Davis police Cpl. Pheng Ly broke the driver’s window of a burning car and pulled the man inside to safety in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, according to the Davis Police Department.

Ly arrived at the scene of a car fire and was met with people screaming. His body-worn camera video shows him breaking the window to reach the driver.

Corporal describes the rescue

The incident happened after Halloween night. Ly was in the Davis area when the call came out.

The crash technically fell under California Highway Patrol jurisdiction, but Ly said he was nearby and wanted to help.

“I tried to pull the door to open the door to get him out, but the door was locked,” Ly said. “So I took out my pocket knife, which has a window punch on it, and I was able to smash out the driver’s window, reach inside, unlock the door, open the door and yank the driver out of the vehicle after undoing his seatbelt.”

Ly said he was the first to arrive at the scene and the fire was spreading toward where the driver was seated.

“I remember when I reached in to undo his seat belt and grab him out, the wall of fire was right there in front of him through that clear windshield, so I’m glad I got there when I did,” Ly said.

Driver arrested after treatment

Davis police said CHP investigated the collision. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being treated for his injuries.

The department commended Ly for actions it said may have saved the driver’s life.

Similar rescue about six years ago

Davis police also recalled a separate incident about six years ago, when Ly rescued a woman in Solano County.

“A woman had driven her car off the roadway, and the vehicle had overturned and caught fire,” Ly said. “Once again, I was nearby. I heard it on the police radio. I got there first and I was able to pull her out of the vehicle.”

Ly: ‘I just move’

Ly said he was doing his job. He is a father of four, and said the driver he rescued was a few years older than his oldest son.

“I see a situation where someone’s life is in danger. Of course I’m scared. I’m very scared, but I’m not scared for me. I’m scared for the person that’s trapped in the car,” Ly said. “I’m afraid that I might fail him or let him down, and so I just move and let my experience take over, and you know, everything worked out right.”

Ly has been with the Davis Police Department for 25 years. He plans to retire in a year and a half.