Two Palm Bay Police officers along with witnesses nearby extracted a driver from a burning car Sunday.

  • Crash occurred at 4700 Dixie Highway
  • Driver became combative as officers pulled him from burning car
  • Witnesses nearby helped pull officers and driver to safety

Officials said Palm Bay Police Sgt. Steve Shytle and Officer Ryan VanNote responded to the crash at 4700 Dixie Highway. They found one vehicle over the embankment and on fire.

The officers saw the driver trapped in the car and tried to pull him free. They reported that during the rescue attempt, the driver became combative and had to be restrained as they pulled him away from the fire.

Several citizens reportedly assisted in pulling the officers and the driver to safety.

The driver was treated on scene by Palm Bay Fire-Rescue personnel, then transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.