A Tazewell County Sheriff’s deputy escaped injury after his patrol vehicle was swept up in flash flooding early Wednesday.
Deputy Nathan Hasting was checking for flooding on Springtown Road west of Miner when he drove into water after cresting a hill. Officials say Hasting attempted to back out of the water, but the vehicle began floating in the rushing water.
Hasting escaped through the driver’s side window.
The vehicle was swept more than 500 feet into a drainage ditch. The incident happened around 5:15 a.m. Photos provided by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s office show the vehicle on its side and partially submerged. The sheriff’s office says the incident reinforces flash flooding dangers. Drivers should always turn around when encountering high water.
