PASADENA, Texas — A Precinct 8 deputy constable is recovering after her vehicle burst into flames following a crash on Beltway 8 Tuesday morning, according to Constable Phil Sandlin.
Deputy K. LeMelle sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was released from the hospital later in the day.
Richard Borgstrom, a tow truck driver in the area, heard the crash and rescued her from the fiery vehicle.
Precinct 8 said LeMelle is a three-year deputy assigned to the Toll Road Division. She was parked on the shoulder when another vehicle veered onto the shoulder and struck the back side of the patrol vehicle.
The impact of the crash caused the vehicle to catch on fire.
Once he arrived at the scene, Precinct 8 said Borgstrom was able to break the driver-side window and pull LeMelle out before the flames reached the cabin.
"I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. Borgstrom, who without regard for his own safety, did not hesitate to act in this situation," Sandlin said in a statement.
Multiple agencies, including Pasadena police and firefighters, responded to the scene.
Pasadena police said two people were in the car that struck the deputy’s patrol vehicle from behind. Both people in that car, as well as LeMelle were taken to nearby hospitals. The driver and passenger of the striking vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Precinct 8 said no bodycam or dashcam footage of the crash will be released since they were both destroyed in the incident.