Video shows NYS Police rescuing woman from sinking SUV in retaining pond

Dramatic body camera footage shows the moments a 61-year-old woman was rescued by New York State Police and a local assistant fire chief in Jefferson County after she drove her SUV into a retaining pond.

On Saturday, May 7, troopers say they responded to the intersection of State Route 11 and State Route 26 in the Town of LeRay for reports of a crash involving one vehicle.

Troopers say Joanne Tanner of Evans Mills drove off the roadway, through the guidewire and a six-foot chain-link fence before entering the reservoir.

While en route to the scene, troopers were notified by dispatch that Tanner was still in the SUV.

When Trooper Christopher Hardy arrived at the scene, he followed the path to the water where the SUV was still floating.

Troopers say several Evans Mills firefighters were already on scene and Evans Mills Assistant Fire Chief John Russel tied a throw bag to himself and entered the water.

Trooper Hardy then removed his gun belt and vest, tied off another throw bag, and entered the water to help.

Troopers say Assistant Fire Chief Russel used a steel pole to break the rear window of the SUV and entered the vehicle.

Tanner was submerged up to her shoulders in water and was unable to move.

Both Trooper Hardy and Assistant Chief Russel attempted to pull Tanner from the driver’s seat, but they were unsuccessful.

The two then attempted to open the doors of the SUV but found the locks would not disengage.

Troopers say the vehicle shifted and began to sink further underwater. The front compartment filled with water, submerging Tanner.

Trooper Hardy then climbed on top of the SUV with the steel pole and could see Tanner’s hair floating to the glass of the sunroof.

He began hitting the sunroof with the pole, making sure not to hit Tanner’s head, and successfully shattered the glass.

Trooper Hardy then reached into the vehicle to grab Tanner.

By this time, Assistant Chief Russel had exited the SUV and climbed on top to assist Trooper Hardy in pulling Tanner through the vehicle’s sunroof.

Troopers say after she held her breath for about 20-seconds, Tanner was removed from the SUV and was conscious and alert.

Trooper Ryan Gentile then entered the water and swam to the vehicle to help.

Trooper Rexford Reynolds, who was tending to the throw bag, pulled Trooper Hardy and Tanner to the shore.

Tanner was transported to Samaritan Medical Center as she showed signs of hypothermia and had minor lacerations.

Tanner was treated and released.

She was ultimately arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), unlicensed operation of a vehicle, and speeding.

Tanner was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Watertown CAP Court in March.
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