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68-Year-Old Woman Pulled from Burning Car on Chester Highway: Dramatic Rescue Video Released

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A dramatic rescue unfolded on Sunday, June 8, when a 68-year-old woman was saved from a burning car after it overturned on a highway in Chester, N.Y. The rescue took place on Kings Highway near Knapps View Park at around 4:00 a.m., as reported by the Chester Police Department.

Police and emergency services were alerted to a crash involving a vehicle that had rolled over, trapping a woman inside. The Chester Police Department detailed that Officer Nicholas Contino was the first to reach the scene, handing his fire extinguisher to a passing driver and locating the trapped driver.

The rescuers successfully broke the sunroof glass and pulled the woman from the flaming wreckage. She was identified as a 68-year-old resident of Warwick, N.Y., and was driving alone at the time of the accident. She was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Officer Contino’s quick actions were praised for significantly increasing the woman’s chances of survival. A video posted on the Chester Police’s Facebook page shows Officer Contino and another motorist attempting to put out the fire and then extracting the woman from the car. The footage captures the urgency and teamwork involved in the rescue operation.

In the video, a voice can be heard asking, “Can you get out? Hello… where you at?” to which the woman responds, “I’m here.” After the roof is breached, the woman is pulled from the vehicle and assisted to safety by the officers and motorists.

The woman’s full identity has not been disclosed. PEOPLE has reached out to the Chester Police for additional comments but has yet to receive a response. For more updates, sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay informed on top stories, from celebrity news to gripping human interest tales.

Tennessee Officer Gets a Boost from Civilian Driver in Memorable Foot Chase

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — During a foot chase in Memphis, a police officer found an unusual ally when a passing motorist stopped to offer him a ride. The encounter, which was caught on video, has since gained significant popularity on social media, as reported by WMC.

The driver, entertained by the unfolding events, began recording as he allowed the out-of-breath officer to jump into his vehicle. The officer was in pursuit of a suspect accused of multiple felony property thefts. The viral video on Facebook shows the officer catching his breath in the back seat before quickly exiting to continue the chase with another officer.

Despite the civilian’s assistance, the Memphis Police Department reported that the suspect managed to evade capture. Nonetheless, the viral video has sparked online interest and commendation for the driver’s supportive actions.

In the video, the driver comments on the officer’s exhaustion, noting, “These officers are getting tired,” as they struggle to match the suspect’s speed.

Memphis Police verified the incident and mentioned that the officer’s decision to accept the ride was within departmental guidelines. They released a statement expressing gratitude to the civilian, stating, “We extend our sincere thanks to the citizen who assisted during this pursuit. Their actions exemplify the strong community partnership we value and strive to foster at the Memphis Police Department.”

YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/embed/HeXKDveYX4Y?enablejsapi=1

Survey: Evaluate Trump’s Approach to Law Enforcement Priorities

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WASHINGTON — (Poll is at bottom of this post.) During his first five months in his return to office, President Donald Trump has made law enforcement and border security central through a series of prominent executive orders. Yet, his initial steps in this second term indicate a multifaceted strategy in backing law enforcement.

In January, Trump granted pardons and commutations to individuals linked to the January 6 Capitol events, labeling them as “political prisoners” and promising to “restore justice.” This decision faced backlash from various law enforcement officials.

Simultaneously, Trump has bolstered immigration enforcement through executive actions designed to enhance the scope and power of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His executive order in April, titled Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Law Enforcement, instructs federal bodies to “maximize enforcement of immigration laws,” eliminate barriers hindering ICE, and amplify internal enforcement operations targeting repeat offenders and gang-linked noncitizens.

The order also advocates for stricter punishments for crimes against police officers and increased federal aid for state and local law enforcement.

On June 6, Trump released several executive orders to enhance drone security and streamline their operations. His directive urges the FAA to expedite approvals for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone activities while introducing new security measures against terrorism, espionage, and public safety threats.

As Trump nears six months into his second term, ThinBlueNews is seeking opinions: How do you rate his performance regarding support for law enforcement and public safety? Please participate in the poll below.

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What grade would you give President Trump for his first six months in office (2025 term)?

Ripple Co-Founder Chris Larsen Donates $9.4 Million to Enhance San Francisco’s Real-Time Investigation Center

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SAN FRANCISCO — Chris Larsen, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world and advocate for public safety, is contributing $9.4 million to facilitate the relocation and expansion of the San Francisco Police Department’s Real-Time Investigations Center, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.

This generous donation from Larsen, who co-founded Ripple, aims to transfer the RTIC from the outdated Hall of Justice to a state-of-the-art facility in the Financial District. Thanks to an unused $2.3 million lease by Ripple, the police department will occupy the new premises rent-free until December 2026.

Additionally, $7.25 million will be provided by the San Francisco Police Community Foundation, an organization Larsen established last year to enhance law enforcement’s technology, equipment, and wellness initiatives.

The Police Commission is scheduled to assess the proposal at an upcoming meeting, with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors having the final say if it advances. Larsen emphasized that the donation is intended to equip the overwhelmed police force with technology to boost safety and operational efficiency.

Highlighting the impact, Larsen remarked, “We can clearly see the significant advantage this provides,” referencing the city’s historically low crime rates over the past year. “Their toolkit is quite limited, and enhancing it will certainly make a difference.”

Evan Sernoffsky, an SFPD spokesperson, noted that the RTIC has already been instrumental, contributing to over 500 arrests in 2024 and significantly reducing auto thefts by 40% within a year.

“Our current Real Time Investigations Center was pieced together with whatever resources we had available,” Sernoffsky explained. “Its effectiveness, even with limited tools, has been surprising.”

Presently, the RTIC operates from a deteriorating 1958 building plagued by issues like power and internet outages, ceiling leaks, and poor signal transmission due to thick concrete walls. During a recent media briefing, journalists were requested not to charge their devices to prevent system overloads.

The proposed new site will offer a more reliable foundation for the RTIC, alongside improvements like fiber internet, a new video wall, additional drones, and advanced surveillance and analytics software.

This expansion follows the 2023 approval of Proposition E, which relaxed restrictions on police surveillance tools, granting the department greater use of drones, automated license plate readers (ALPRs), and mobile security towers.

Larsen’s commitment to public safety is further demonstrated by his previous projects, including funding a private camera network and a $1 million contribution for officer wellness.

U.S. Marines Sent to Los Angeles in Response to Protest Violence

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LOS ANGELES — CNN has reported that a contingent of 500 to 700 U.S. Marines from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms is being dispatched to Los Angeles. This deployment aims to bolster federal law enforcement efforts following violent protests against immigration enforcement actions that erupted on June 8 in downtown Los Angeles. The demonstrations, which began on June 6, have sparked numerous confrontations with police, resulting in property damage and numerous arrests.

During these disturbances, law enforcement officials have documented several instances of violence, including officers being hit with rocks, scooters, and other projectiles. A video showed demonstrators hurling debris from an overpass at California Highway Patrol officers positioned on the freeway below.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported injuries among deputies, with one requiring hospitalization due to burns from a firework. He also mentioned that a Molotov cocktail was thrown during the chaos. In response, officers used crowd control tactics like tear gas and rubber bullets after declaring the protests an unlawful assembly. Luna emphasized that arrest teams were in place, warning that anyone involved in violence or damage to property would be detained.

As the Marines prepare for their assignment, the Department of Defense is still working out the details of their involvement, including use-of-force guidelines. CNN noted that the rules of engagement for military personnel who may face protestors in the city are still being crafted.

On June 9, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to regain state authority over the California National Guard. Newsom opposed the president’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles without his consent.

In response to the lawsuit, President Trump suggested Governor Newsom should face arrest. “I think his primary crime is running for governor, because he’s done such a bad job,” Trump remarked while speaking in Washington, D.C.

The deployment of active-duty Marines domestically is rare, and Pentagon officials have yet to disclose how long the forces will remain in the Los Angeles area.

Capture of Escaped Convict Grant Hardin, Dubbed ‘Devil in the Ozarks’

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — After an extensive manhunt lasting nearly two weeks, authorities announced on Friday the capture of former police chief and convicted murderer Grant Hardin, known as the “Devil in the Ozarks.” Hardin was found 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the northern Arkansas prison he had escaped from.

Grant Hardin, once the police chief in Gateway, a small town near the Arkansas-Missouri border, was serving long-term sentences for murder and rape. His criminal history later became the subject of a TV documentary, “Devil in the Ozarks.” As officers approached, Hardin made a brief attempt to flee but was swiftly apprehended, according to Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas prison system. “After being on the run for a week and a half, he was likely exhausted,” Champion noted.

The Izard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Hardin’s identity through fingerprint analysis in a Facebook post. Although there were no signs of injury, Hardin will undergo checks for dehydration and other potential health issues.

Investigators are eager to question Hardin, Champion stated, having captured a photo of him being escorted by officers using his cellphone. During his capture, Hardin remained silent. Since 2017, Hardin has been incarcerated at the Calico Rock prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder for a fatal shooting. His escape was facilitated by disguising himself as a corrections officer, allowing him to exit through a secure gate, as per court documents. Champion criticized the failure to verify Hardin’s identity as a “lapse” currently under investigation.

Since Hardin’s escape on May 25, search efforts have included bloodhounds, horseback officers, drones, and helicopters. Recently, a specialized U.S. Border Patrol team joined the search, federal officials revealed. Known as BORTAC, the team provided “advanced search capabilities and operational support,” and is skilled in complex terrains, the agency explained. The rocky and forested Ozark Mountains, with their intricate cave networks, posed significant challenges.

In 2017, Hardin admitted to the first-degree murder of James Appleton, 59, who worked for the Gateway water department and was shot in the head on February 23, 2017, near Garfield. Appleton’s body was discovered in a car, leading to Hardin’s 30-year prison sentence. Additionally, Hardin’s DNA linked him to a 1997 rape case involving an elementary school teacher in Rogers, north of Fayetteville, resulting in a 50-year sentence.

Cheryl Tillman, Appleton’s sister and mayor of Gateway, learned of Hardin’s capture while at a flea market in Ozark, Missouri, with her family. She expressed relief at the news, describing it as a “big sigh of relief” for her family. “We can now live without constantly looking over our shoulders,” Tillman said, grateful to the officers involved in Hardin’s capture.

Fugitive Ex-Arkansas Police Chief Eludes Capture After Prison Break

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Authorities are continuing their search for Grant Hardin, a former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder, following his escape from prison over the weekend. The 56-year-old remains at large as the manhunt progresses into its fourth day, Thursday, May 29. New information has surfaced about the ease with which Hardin left the facility unnoticed.

According to reports from Straight Arrow News, Hardin, who was serving time for both a murder and a separate rape and kidnapping conviction, managed to exit the North Central Unit prison in Calico, Arkansas, by donning a law enforcement outfit. The precise method by which he evaded detection was not previously known, but ABC News has revealed that the disguise was convincing enough for a guard to open a secure gate, facilitating his escape.

Officials are uncertain about the origin of the uniform, suggesting it was either “handmade or smuggled in.” Surveillance footage captured Hardin pushing an industrial cart, which he abandoned outside the prison after his breakout. Authorities are probing whether his duties in the prison kitchen played a role in his escape plan.

In the United States, roughly 2,000 jailbreaks occur annually, predominantly at minimum-security facilities, with few incidents at higher-security prisons. Many escapes are linked to staffing shortages.

Investigators suspect Hardin remains in the vicinity and are offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to his capture. Residents in Izard County and neighboring areas have been advised to stay alert, secure their homes and vehicles, and report any suspicious activities by calling 911.

Federal, state, and local agencies are collaborating to locate Hardin, as noted in a U.S. marshals statement during the week of May 25. The search efforts include the use of K9 units and drones to scour the wooded areas. Coordinations with other states are also in progress to track possible movements of the fugitive.

Hardin, having worked in multiple law enforcement roles across Arkansas, has a documented history of behavioral and performance challenges. His last position was as the police chief in Gateway, Arkansas.

In 2017, Hardin was convicted of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of 59-year-old James Appleton. Appleton’s sister, the mayor of Gateway, described Hardin as “an evil man,” comparing his escape to a déjà vu experience. Additionally, Hardin was convicted of rape and kidnapping after DNA evidence linked him to the 1997 assault of a schoolteacher in Rogers, Arkansas. He received a 30-year sentence for Appleton’s murder, plus an additional 50 years for the rape and kidnapping charges.

New Podcast Seeks to Transform Dialogue on First Responder Health

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The well-being of first responders is becoming an increasing focus within public safety, as agencies and organizations strive to bolster their mental, physical, and emotional health. Despite the availability of more resources, many in this field still find it challenging to access programs that resonate with their daily realities. Addressing this gap is Blah Blah Blah… Something Wellness, a fresh podcast by Law Enforcement Coaching, designed to provide genuine conversations, practical tools, and insights from individuals familiar with the profession.

The podcast, led by Tami Sharp, the founder of Law Enforcement Coaching, dedicates each month to a theme relevant to first responders. Topics include managing toxic work environments, embracing failure, and maintaining self-care. Weekly episodes offer frank interviews, expert opinions, and actionable strategies, complemented by a live coaching session to encourage proactive involvement.

“This isn’t about buzzwords or abstract solutions,” Sharp explained. “We’re creating a platform for genuine dialogue and providing practical tools that can be immediately applied. Our aim is to engage first responders where they currently are, not where theoretical models suggest they should be.”

The podcast’s team comprises current and former first responders, clinicians, and leadership coaches with firsthand knowledge of the field. Each month a specific theme is explored, with future episodes covering:

– June: Emphasizing Self-Care
– July: Handling Toxic Workplaces
– August: Discussing Failure
– September: Financial Perspectives
– October: Understanding Retirement
– November: Coping with Holiday Stress
– December: Addressing Addiction and Alcohol

Listeners can find the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts by searching for Blah Blah Blah…Something Wellness and subscribing to join the conversation.

Visit Law Enforcement Coaching to connect with experienced coaches who are well-acquainted with first responder challenges and are ready to offer support tailored to your needs.

YouTube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/embed/lldOzoDfiQg?enablejsapi=1

Deputy in Texas Saved by Bullet-Resistant Windshield in Potential Ambush

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JEWETT, Texas — A Leon County deputy escaped harm in a shooting incident that authorities describe as a possible ambush, thanks to the bullet-resistant glass installed in the deputy’s patrol car, as reported by KBTX.

Sheriff Kevin Ellis stated that the event unfolded when the deputy was answering a 911 call from a woman in need of assistance. Upon the deputy’s arrival, the suspect began shooting, discharging eight bullets into the driver’s side windshield of the patrol vehicle.

The deputy emerged unscathed, shielded by the bullet-resistant glass. The suspect was apprehended without any further complications.

Sheriff Ellis expressed gratitude for the life-saving technology and the support from the community. “The Leon County Sheriff’s Office extends a special thank you to the citizens of Leon County and Operation Safe Shield for enabling us to outfit some of our vehicles with bullet-resistant glass,” he remarked. “Thanks to this, our deputy was able to return home safely this morning.”

Clifford Dorn, president of Operation Safe Shield, emphasized the significance of their work in safeguarding law enforcement officers. “This incident underscores the vital nature of our mission,” Dorn said. “It validates the importance of our technology, and today it saved an officer’s life. The investment has proven worthwhile. Our goal is to ensure officers return home safely at the end of their shifts, and today, the bullet-resistant glass fulfilled its purpose.”

Currently, Operation Safe Shield has equipped over 120 patrol vehicles in the Brazos Valley with bullet-resistant glass. A vehicle with these protective features was recently donated to the City of Snook.

In Texas, legislation aimed at broadening this initiative is on the brink of approval. House Bill 2217, spearheaded by State Representative Trey Wharton, proposes a statewide grant program to assist law enforcement agencies in installing bullet-resistant windshields and windows. The bill has passed with bipartisan support and is pending the governor’s signature.

Officer Saves Kayaker in Clinton River Rescue

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STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — Officer Nikolas Bruno from Sterling Heights Police found himself unexpectedly utilizing his lifeguard training during his patrol last Saturday. At 2:30 p.m., he responded to an emergency at Riverland Park concerning a woman kayaker in trouble. Without delay, Bruno dove into the Clinton River to rescue the woman who was without a life jacket and holding onto a log for safety.

“As soon as I exited the patrol vehicle, I heard the commotion and saw she was in grave danger,” Bruno recounted. “She wasn’t wearing a life jacket and wasn’t a strong swimmer, so I removed my gun belt and jumped in.”

The incident occurred when the woman, part of a kayaking group, collided with a submerged tree, causing her kayak to capsize and strike her head. She managed to cling to a log, while her daughter, who was kayaking alongside her, reached a more secure log dam.

The woman, along with her daughter and niece, was kayaking for the first time when her kayak snagged on the submerged tree, causing the accident. She later told Officer Bruno she was “barely holding on” when he arrived to save her.

“This serves as an important reminder to always wear a life jacket,” advised Bruno. “You never know when you might need it, and it’s always better to have it on just in case.”