She was seriously injured in the one-vehicle crash, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. One of the deputies was injured during the rescue.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Two Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies jumped into a pond and rescued an 82-year-old woman from her SUV just before it sank Saturday (Nov. 11), according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The woman, Leona Evans, 82, of Webster, was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Thompson suffered several lacerations to his face and arms from a window that had to be broken to rescue Evans. Thompson was treated and released by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue while at the incident scene.

The crash happened about 5:07 p.m. at the intersection of Alexander Street and Paul Buchman Hwy. Troopers said Evans was driving west on Paul Buchman. When she reached the intersection, she traveled straight across all lanes of Alexander and hit a utility pole. The Hyundai became airborne, crossed an embankment, hit a chain link fence and landed in a pond where it started to sink.

Thompson and Deputy Trent Migues arrived soon after the crash. They jumped into the pond and rescued Evans from the sinking Hyundai, troopers said.

Moments after the rescue, the Hyundai sank completely.

For information about the Florida Highway Patrol, go to flhsmv.gov.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida Highway Patrol | Hillsborough Sheriff | Traffic Crash | Pond Rescue | Traffic Accident | Tampabay News

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