MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer helped rescue a driver heading into the Florida Keys Wednesday afternoon after she was trapped in an overturned vehicle.
The crash happened in the Southbound of U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 109.
Officer Chris Lejarzar saw the sedan leaking fuel and attempted to free the driver.
Cell phone video from a passing car showed the car upside down and smoking, with officer Lejarzar underneath.
According to FWC, the officer removed part of the seatbelt through the broken back window. In body-worn camera, Officer Lejarzar can be heard comforting the driver.
“We’ll try not to move you here for a second here. Let me figure out what’s going on, okay?,” he said. “I can cut your seatbelt out, but I don’t want to have you fall on your neck or anything. You’re bleeding pretty good.”
The woman was later airlifted to a nearby hospital.
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies, Key Largo firefighters, and the Florida Highway Patrol were also on scene.
“I commend Officer Lejarzar and our Monroe County partners for their swift and courageous response,” said Lt.Col. Alfredo Escanio, FWC South Region Deputy Director. “Their actions demonstrate their bravery and dedication to protecting the community.”
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
