Deputy Saves Woman Seconds Before Car Bursts Into Flames

Deputy Almin Residovic had seconds to act when he saw flames creeping through a crashed car in Jacksonville last Sunday night. Without hesitation, he ran toward the wreckage, broke through the door, and pulled an unconscious woman to safety as her hair caught fire.

The rescue came at the end of a terrifying chain of events that started with a violent carjacking. A suspect had stolen a car with a 1-year-old child still strapped in the back seat, sending deputies racing through Jacksonville streets.

When officers spotted the stolen vehicle, the suspect crashed into another car carrying the woman and a 14-year-old passenger. The impact sparked an immediate fire that began consuming both vehicles.

Residovic's bodycam captured the intensity of those crucial moments. "Oh, there's a person bro!" he shouted as he forced the door open and found the woman trapped inside the burning car.

He dragged her away from the flames and immediately began providing emergency care. "Please stay with me," he told her as other first responders arrived. "Stay with us. You're OK."

Moments after the rescue, Residovic turned to a fellow officer with relief in his voice. "Bro, I got to her just in time. Literally, at the last second, I got to her." The bodycam footage shows the car bursting into a full blaze seconds later.

The 14-year-old managed to escape before deputies arrived. Another officer safely removed the 1-year-old from the stolen vehicle, finding the child completely unharmed.

Authorities arrested Richard Younger, 34, at the crash site and charged him with multiple felonies.

Why This Inspires

The woman, whose name hasn't been released, called the sheriff's office from her hospital bed to express her gratitude. She told officers she's incredibly thankful to be alive and recovering well thanks to Residovic's quick thinking.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office praised the coordinated response from all officers involved. Their statement highlighted how split-second decisions and brave actions can mean the difference between tragedy and hope.

Every first responder went home that night knowing their training and courage saved lives.