Norton Police Officer Saves Teen From Burning Car - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

Norton Police Officer Saves Teen From Burning Car

By: Melissa Toupin

mtoupin@abc6.com

A smashed wreck with a melted interior is all that's left of this car after 18-year-old Justine Miller ran it into a tree in Norton this morning.

Drivers on Burt St. called 9-1-1 around 1 A.M. to report the accident.

The teen was conscious and a fire was just starting in the car's engine compartment when rescuers first got there. Her legs were so badly injured she couldn't get out.

That's when patrolman Charles Turcotte jumped into action.

"He tried to open the door," said Norton Police Lt. Todd Jackson. "The door was locked. He was trying to open it. He couldn't. So he helped remove her from out the open driver side door."

Moments later the car burst into flames. Officer Turcotte did not want to go on camera. Lt. Jackson says the officer is humble about his quick actions.

"He did his job quickly and definitely, definitely saved her," said Lt. Jackson.

Miller was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Tonight she is in good condition.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but Miller has not been cited.