Joshua Breimayer, a Criminal Justice student at Grand Valley State University, saved two fleeing suspects from a burning wreck, then helped to hold one for police, the Grand Rapids Press reported Tuesday.
Police credit Breimayer, 21, with helping save two men from a burning car after they crashed on I-96 while trying to elude police.
I saw people trying to get out of this guy's way, and then next thing I know he's right on my tail, Breimayer told the Press. It was one of those 'gripping the steering wheel' moments. Then I saw the guy start to lose it, and he went off the road. He was skidding backward, and I thought he was going to get control again, but then the car flipped over.
Breimayer, a Wyoming resident who is planning a career with the FBI, said he pulled over because he figured he was a witness. When he saw the deputy rush down the hill and try to pry the doors open, he ran to assist.
Deputy Burns -- he was awesome -- he was running at the car with his flashlight, and his Glock (pistol) drawn, telling me to stay back, Breimayer said. But when he couldn't open a door he said I could help. I climbed on top the car, but that door wasn't going anywhere.
Breimayer said there was smoke coming from the car, then flames started shooting from the wheel well on the driver's side. The men were banging on the windshield, and he and the deputy started kicking holes in the glass. Breimayer said he stayed with one man as the officers pulled the second suspect from the burning car.
Breimayer said he could feel a rush while helping the officers and knows he has selected the correct career path.
I figure there aren't too many guys who could come into a job interview with the FBI and tell them something like this, he said.
