SANFORD, Fla. — An Orlando Fire lieutenant is credited with saving a Seminole County deputy seconds before his cruiser burst into flames Saturday morning.
Deputies said that SCSO deputy Matthew Luxon suffered a medical emergency which they believe caused him to crash into a concrete pillar.
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According to a tweet from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Luxon underwent successful surgeries and is currently in stable condition.
Deputies said Luxon has a long recovery ahead of him and expressed their gratitude for Lt. Benjamin Wootson’s quick thinking and action.
Saturday morning, SCSO Deputy Matthew Luxon suffered a medical emergency believed to have caused him to crash in to concrete pillar at Orange Blvd. and Wayside Dr. in Sanford. Off duty @OrlandoFireDept Lt. Benjamin Woodson rescued him just before the vehicle caught fire. (Cont) pic.twitter.com/NwRHXPx5Ck
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) March 26, 2023
Investigators said Luxon crashed his patrol car into an overpass bridge around 10:30 a.m. near Orange Boulevard and Wayside Drive in Sanford.
The Orlando Fire Department said a lieutenant was driving his son to a soccer game when he saw the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputy crash into the bridge.
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Florida Highway Patrol said that at some point, the deputy’s vehicle crossed over the center line onto the southbound paved shoulder.
According to a news release, the car ignited and caught on fire after the SUV struck a bridge support.
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The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deputy was not on his way to a call or responding to anything when he crashed.
Orlando Firefighter Lt. Wootson, who was off-duty, stopped his personal vehicle and pulled the deputy out of his patrol car.
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Investigators said Orange Boulevard was shut down for several hours while they processed the scene.
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