A Bartlesville man received medical attention after being pulled from Lee Lake last week by two Bartlesville police officers and an off-duty Bartlesville firefighter.
The man, who had apparently suffered a medical issue, was traveling in a vehicle on Adams Boulevard at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2023, when he left the roadway and drove into the lake, partially submerging the vehicle in the water.
Bartlesville Police Department Lt. Chris Neal was on his way to work when he observed a Chevrolet pickup, which was traveling eastbound on Adams Boulevard near Winding Way, suddenly turn ninety degrees and leave the roadway. Neal observed the truck go airborne as the vehicle traversed the steep embankment and ultimately crash into Lee Lake. Neal quickly made his way to the vehicle as he notified dispatch of the situation.
Off-duty Firefighter Chris Buchanan and BPD Sgt. Steve Johnson arrived at the scene simultaneously. The trio entered the lake and were quickly confronted with waist-deep water. After discovering that the vehicle’s doors were locked, Johnson retrieved a baton from Neal’s police vehicle and used it to break one of the windows. Neal then unlocked the door of the vehicle, and Buchanan removed the man from the vehicle and the trio pulled him to the shore.
Other emergency personnel quickly responded and were able to assist with the situation. The subject was transported by ambulance for additional treatment.
“This is yet another example of the heroic actions our police and fire personnel exhibit on a nearly daily basis in our city,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “Fortunately, both were close-by when this incident occurred and were able to render aid quickly. We are thankful to all of our emergency workers for the work they do everyday, and we wish the driver of the vehicle a speedy recovery.”