Lake Charles, LA (4/20/2024) – In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, officers from the Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD) risked their lives to rescue a woman trapped inside a partially submerged vehicle. The harrowing incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at approximately 7:20 PM near the 400 block of River Road.
Cpl. James Gruspier, patrolling the area, noticed a small silver sedan partially submerged in the river and immediately sprung into action. Despite the danger, Cpl. Gruspier wasted no time in notifying dispatchers and swiftly entered the water, swimming towards the sinking vehicle.
Upon reaching the vehicle, Cpl. Gruspier climbed onto the hood and made contact with the terrified occupant, who was trapped inside as the water level continued to rise. As the situation grew increasingly dire, Sgt. Ryan Magee and Officer Brennan Hoover arrived on the scene to provide assistance.
Sgt. Magee, a seasoned member of the LCPD’s Marine Division, quickly assessed the situation and devised a plan to rescue the trapped occupant. Equipped with personal floatation devices (PFDs), Sgt. Magee, Officer Hoover, and later, Officer Caden Barrow, braved the treacherous currents to reach the submerged vehicle.
Efforts to extract the occupant were complicated by her inability to swim and the vehicle’s rapid descent into the water. However, through sheer determination and teamwork, Sgt. Magee, Cpl. Gruspier, and their fellow officers managed to pull the woman to safety just moments before the vehicle disappeared beneath the surface.
Lake Charles Police Department Chief Shawn Caldwell expressed immense pride in the officers’ heroic actions, emphasizing the selflessness and quick response that ultimately saved a life. Chief Caldwell remarked, “We never know what we are going to face or when. These officers, without hesitation, jumped into the river to save a stranger, and had they not acted immediately, we would have lost someone. I know that they saved a life that day. Great job, gentlemen.”
The courageous actions of Cpl. Gruspier, Sgt. Magee, Officer Hoover, and Officer Barrow serve as a testament to the dedication and bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers in the Lake Charles community. Their swift and decisive response undoubtedly prevented a tragedy and earned them the gratitude and admiration of their fellow citizens.
