Man trapped in fiery car begs for help after crash. See harrowing Florida rescue

A driver trying to elude deputies is now forever in their debt after being rescued from his burning car, Florida officials say.

The crash happened around 11:15 p.m. Sunday, April 13, as Indian River County deputies were pursuing a driver accused of dodging a traffic stop in Vero Beach, the sheriff’s office said in an April 14 news release.

“While searching the area, deputies discovered the vehicle completely engulfed in flames in a small field,” the sheriff’s office said. “It is believed that the vehicle crashed into a tree.”

Deputies arrived just as the driver was opening the car door and quickly realized he was disoriented, badly hurt and unable to get out.

“My leg don’t work,” the man is heard saying repeatedly in body cam video. “My leg don’t work. Please help me.”

Deputy C. Scott. seen rushing to the man’s side grabs his hand and tries to pull him free.

“You got to help me,” the deputy is heard telling the man. “You got to help me.”

A Vero Beach police officer quickly joins in, and the two manage to get the man out of the car and dragged a safe distance from the flames.

Details of the man’s condition have not been released.

“At the time of this incident, (the driver) was on inmate release status for a past murder and now faces new felony charges for fleeing/eluding,” the sheriff’s office said.

Vero Beach is about a 105-mile drive southeast from Orlando.

This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Man trapped in fiery car begs for help after crash. See harrowing Florida rescue."