Kent Police have recognized Officer Castro for saving a man from a burning vehicle.
On July 9, Officer Castro (police did not release his first name) was was on routine patrol along Pacific Highway South on the West Hill. He saw a burning vehicle near South 260th Street on the city of Des Moines side of the road, and fearing it might be occupied, immediately investigated, according to police.
Castro called for fire, then approached the vehicle on foot. He noticed a man passed out at the wheel, just as the vehicle was becoming fully engulfed in flames. He was able to wake the driver, who was disoriented and speaking unintelligibly. The man was not listening to directions and was trying to retrieve items from his vehicle while the cabin filled up with smoke.
Castro was able to get him out just in time. The driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, remained disoriented and uncooperative with the officer, but was otherwise uninjured and safe.
Castro’s decisive tactics saved this man from certain death or serious injury, according to police. The department recognized Castro this week as a Top Cop. Castro joined the Kent force in April 2020.
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