Watch Ariz. Police Officer Smash Window to Help Save Driver in Fiery Crash

Feb. 20, 2025

A Chandler police officer helped save a driver trapped inside an overturned pickup truck near Mesa, and the rescue wouldn't have happened if the officer had taken his usual route to work.

Joe Vince

An Arizona police officer braved flames and used his baton to shatter the window of a pickup truck to help rescue a trapped driver following a rollover crash Tuesday.

The incident happened shortly before 7 a.m. near Mesa and involved seven vehicles, KNXV-TV reports. The pickup was rear-ended by a concrete mixer, overturning the truck and causing it to catch fire.

Chandler Police Officer Brian Larison was on his way to work when he encountered the crash, according to the Arizona Republic. The 20-year law enforcement veteran jumped off his motorcycle and began hitting the truck's window with his baton.

After several blows, Larison was able to shatter the glass. He then noticed an off-duty firefighter at the scene, and his fellow first responder was able to put on his fire gear so he could get to the driver before the cab was consumed by fire.

"Right place, right time," said Larison, who usually takes a different route to work.

The crash is under investigation.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.