Deputies pull man from path of train

NEBRASKA CITY – Otoe County sheriff’s deputies were on a life-saving mission when they responded to a mental health call Thursday afternoon, but what might have started as a routine trip to a crisis center soon turned into a heroic race against time as the whistle of a freight train bore down on them.

Sheriff Colin Caudill said an Iowa man in his 60s made suicidal comments to deputies who had responded to a mental health call. He said the man defied deputies’ orders by driving away in his Chevrolet HHR.

A slow-speed pursuit ensued on Highway 75 and onto a snow-covered, winding county road.  With a bridge out ahead, the man turned and drove on the railroad tracks back toward Nebraska City.

 

Caudill: “As the male proceeded south on the railroad tracks, the vehicle became stuck on the railroad tracks. During this time we were notified that a train was traveling northbound on the railroad track. Deputies were able to get into the vehicle and remove the male from the vehicle prior to the train striking the car.”

Chief Deputy Michael Holland got into the driver’s seat in hopes of getting the car out of the way, but it was stuck. In a matter of seconds, the deputy abandoned the car and scrambled to safety.

Caudill: “ The deputies responded to the incident very well. They showed bravery and great response. They did a good job.”

The train hit the crossover panel van head on and drug it 35 yards before it stopped. The man was taken to a crisis center, uninjured.