Unidentified hero praised for motorist rescue in Wheaton

A man is being called a hero after helping pull a 25-year-old motorist from a pond early Thursday in Wheaton.

Police said the motorist's 2008 Bentley convertible plunged into the pond about 12:10 a.m. at Prairie and Gary avenues, just east of Wheaton Sport Center.

Deputy Chief Tom Meloni said the man, who police would not identify, dropped a lit cigarette in the car and was trying to pick it up when he drove off the road and into the water.

The convertible sunk. The driver was able to get out of the car because the top was down and he kept half his body out of the water by sitting on the trunk.

"I don't quite know from a weather standpoint why he had it (the top) down," Fire Chief Gregory Berk said. "But from an ability to get out of there, it certainly did pay off."

The motorist's good fortune continued when a passer-by saw the Bentley's taillights shining under the water. After calling 911, the man swam to the car to help the stranded motorist.

"It's outstanding that he would stop, call 911 and went in to help," Meloni said of the good Samaritan, who asked police not to release his name. "We're just very appreciative that he would help a fellow citizen in need."

It's unclear how deep the water was where the Bentley ended up. Berk said both men had to swim part of the way back to reach safety.

By the time police arrived, the men were stuck in mud about 15 feet from shore. But they were able to stand and two police officers helped them get out.

No one was injured. The motorist was examined by paramedics at the scene and refused transportation to the hospital, officials said.

While the man was being looked at, there was some confusion about whether anyone else was in the car.

"He was being treated and we couldn't get in to bother him," Berk said.

So rescue divers from at least six fire departments entered the pond, inspected the submerged car and checked the area around the vehicle. After a careful search, the water rescue was called off and it was determined no one else was in the water.

Meanwhile, Berk said there's "absolutely no question" the passer-by "did a great thing" by stopping to help.

The fire chief said he plans to recommend the city council recognize the man's efforts.

"He went way above and beyond what you would expect a normal citizen to do," Berk said. "He put himself at risk to make sure that other gentleman got out of the water safely."

Meloni said the investigation is continuing but no citations had been issued as of late Thursday afternoon.