Officers Rescue Driver and Good Samaritan from Rancocas Creek

Riverside Township Police
Riverside, NJ

On Thursday morning, Delanco Township police responded to a report of a vehicle that had left the roadway along Rancocas Avenue and entered the Rancocas Creek. Officers from Riverside Township also responded to assist.

Upon arrival, a Delanco officer observed the vehicle in the creek and two adult men struggling to reach the shoreline. Officers later learned that one of the men was a nearby resident who had entered the water to help the driver.

The Delanco officer immediately entered the creek and after several minutes was able to assist the driver to shore. During the rescue, the resident began struggling to swim back to shore against the current. A responding Riverside officer recognized his distress, entered the water, and swam out to help him safely reach shore.

Additional police officers and emergency medical personnel arrived and provided medical care to the driver, the resident, and the officers involved.

Both the driver and the resident survived. We commend the Delanco and Riverside officers for their courage and decisive actions, and we recognize the resident’s selfless effort to help someone in need.

We also thank all responding officers and emergency medical personnel for their assistance. This incident reflects the bravery, teamwork, and commitment to service that help keep our communities safe.