Several University Police officers assisted drivers who were stranded on Patteson Drive as flood waters overwhelmed the area late last Thursday (July 29).
While surveying potential water damage near Patteson Drive as a result of heavy rains Thursday evening, Officer Logan Thompson observed multiple vehicles stuck on the roadway amid rising flood waters.
After assessing the situation, Officer Thompson quickly notified dispatch requesting additional support.
Officers Roy Harper, Tyquan Roach and Jonathan Moll arrived on the scene within minutes and immediately began assisting individuals who had become trapped in their vehicles as flood waters continued to overtake the roadway.
The officers assisted five vehicles along Patteson Drive containing six total occupants.
The occupants were removed from their vehicles and taken to safety. The officers then arranged for tow trucks to assist in removing the stranded vehicles from Patteson Drive.
“Last Thursday’s events are a good reminder of how quickly situations can change during a flood,” said University Police Capt. Sherry St. Clair. “We are thankful the situation was resolved without any injuries. However, University Police reminds our campus community that six inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger cars, which can flood the exhaust and leave occupants immobile and at risk.”
“I am so proud of our University Police team for going above and beyond to assist those in need during last week’s flooding,” said, Rob Alsop, vice president of Strategic Initiatives. “Our campus and the surrounding areas are more secure because of the dedication of our officers and the entire University Police Department.”