Dramatic footage released on Sunday captured the moment multiple good Samaritans helped Fullerton police pull a man from a car on fire.
The tense scene unfolded on Wednesday, May 21, at 11:32 a.m., according to the Fullerton Police Department.
The video shows officers driving up to the smoky area at the 200 block of East Valencia Drive to find two bystanders trying to break into a broken-down, steaming car.
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A police officer and a good Samaritan are seen pulling a man out of a burning car. May 2025. (Fullerton PD) -
A police officer and a good Samaritan are seen pulling a man out of a burning car. May 2025. (Fullerton PD) -
A police officer and a good Samaritan are seen pulling a man out of a burning car. May 2025. (Fullerton PD)
Through the perspective of his bodycam, the officer is seen directing one of the bystanders to step away while he and another officer work to break into the vehicle.
Then, the officer instructs a good Samaritan to help him pull out the man by his arm.
Footage from multiple perspectives shows an officer and a good Samaritan successfully drag the man out of his burning car and bring him to safety before paramedics arrive.
“The driver, who was experiencing a medical emergency, was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment,” Fullerton PD said in an Instagram post. “This event showcases the incredible spirit of our community and the willingness of individuals to step up in times of crisis.”
Officials did not immediately provide an update on the patient’s status or further information on how the car crashed or began smoking.
