MAYNARD, MA — A Maynard police officer pulled a driver from a burning vehicle seconds before it became engulfed in flames early Sunday morning.
Officer Joseph Noonan was on patrol in the area of Great Road at approximately 4:15 a.m. Sunday when a bystander approached him and reported that a truck had crashed into a utility pole.
Noonan responded to the scene and observed a blue GMC Sierra that had struck a telephone pole and had significant damage.
Noonan notified dispatch for additional assistance from Maynard Police and Fire.
While assessing the scene, Noonan observed a small fire under the front engine bay of the vehicle beginning to form.
Noonan made contact with the operator of the vehicle, who was alert and conscious but was not following directions.
The vehicle quickly began to fill with smoke, and flames began to grow.
Noonan pulled the operator from the vehicle’s window within seconds of the car becoming engulfed in flames.
Maynard Fire responded to the scene and contained the vehicle fire.
The driver was evaluated by Maynard Fire and PRO EMS and declined transport.
“This was great work by Officer Noonan, who saved the life of an operator during a high-level, fast-moving incident,” said Maynard Police Sgt. Eric Davoll.
“Officer Noonan demonstrated extraordinary courage and composure under extreme pressure,” said Police Chief Christopher Troiano.
“Officer Noonan’s actions this morning, without question, turned what would have been a fatality into a patient refusal,” said Maynard Fire Capt. Travis Gross.
A subsequent investigation determined that the driver, identified as Tyler Curtis, 32, of Clinton, was operating under the influence of alcohol.
Curtis was arrested and charged with OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Marked Lanes Violation.
He will be arraigned in Concord District Court on Monday.
