Rowan Deputy Rescues Injured Driver After Patrol Vehicle Catches Fire

A Rowan County deputy is being credited with life-saving actions following a fiery crash Tuesday evening while responding to a child welfare call.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy John Stevens and Deputy Mason Doby were responding with emergency lights and sirens to a report of an 8-year-old child seen alone in the roadway near Old Cress Road and Shue Road around 5:24 p.m. on May 26.

Authorities said Deputy Stevens’ patrol vehicle collided with another vehicle after the driver reportedly swerved into the deputy’s lane while attempting to avoid traffic that had stopped to yield to responding emergency vehicles.

The impact caused Deputy Stevens’ patrol vehicle to leave the roadway and enter a field, where the vehicle caught fire. Deputy Doby, who was traveling directly behind Stevens, immediately stopped and rushed to assist.

Investigators said Deputy Doby approached the smoking patrol vehicle, deflated the airbag to assess Deputy Stevens’ injuries, and learned the deputy believed his leg was broken. After noticing flames visible through the windshield, Deputy Doby pulled Deputy Stevens from the burning patrol vehicle and dragged him several feet away to safety.

While assisting Deputy Stevens, witnesses alerted Deputy Doby that the second vehicle involved in the crash had also begun smoking. After moving Deputy Stevens to a safe location, Deputy Doby went to assist the other driver, who had reportedly suffered serious injuries, and helped remove him from the vehicle.

Deputy Stevens was transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released. Officials said he will continue receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the collision. The other driver also remains hospitalized while receiving treatment.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the crash. Authorities said the other driver was cited for Failing to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Collision, Driving Left of Center, and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office praised Deputy Doby for his quick actions and courage under pressure, saying his response likely prevented the situation from becoming even more serious.