driver

Good Samaritans Rescue Elderly Driver Who Crashed Into Canal in Antioch

They were in the right place at the right time.

Good Samaritans on Wednesday rushed to save an elderly man who swerved off the road and ended up in a canal in Antioch.

One of the heroes credited with saving the man's life is 20-year-old Sean Blackfield, who was riding his scooter on James Donlon when he saw a car swerving. Blackfield instantly jumped off his scooter and ran over to help.

"I threw off my helmet and ran down the embankment," Blackfield said.

Blackfield said he saw a car with a man in it, slowly sinking into the canal.

"He stuck his hand out yelling help," Blackfield said. "He was old so you can barely hear him."

Blackfield dived into the water to help.

"I had to tread water for a while," he said. Blackfield also had to hold his breath for a while underwater to steady the man so other people who had jumped in could pull him to safety.

"The front of the car was submerged to the back of the driver's headrest," Blackfield said. "The driver was pretty much under water."

Police said Blackfield and four other civilian rescuers saved the man's life.

News of the rescue spread quickly through social media, with many people thanking the men. There was even a thank you post from a woman who said the man they saved was her uncle.

"It honestly does make you feel really good. Not because of the publicity, but I'm really glad to know I saved somebody's life," Blackfield said.

Contact Us