BCSO Corporal Runs Toward Car on Fire and Saves Life

(Kennewick, WA) -- A Benton County Sheriff's Corporal is being credited with running toward danger, and saving a life. This happened Monday morning near US 395 and West Clearwater Ave when Cpl. Benitez saw a SUV on fire that had just crashed into a parked car at a business there. Kennewick Police say the Corporal saw there was an unconscious male at the wheel of the car on fire and ran toward the flames, dragging the man from the car. Cpl. Benitez began rendering life saving measures as the driver had allegedly overdosed until EMS personnel arrived. Once Kennewick units arrived they took over the investigation. The male driver of the SUV was medically cleared on scene and was placed in custody for suspicion of DUI and two counts of Reckless Endangerment (the parked vehicle was occupied and also sustained damage from both the collision and fire).The male was transported to a hospital for a legal blood draw and medical clearance prior to being booked into Benton County Jail