Deputy Robert Taylor Survived; – A father and son from North Carolina heroically rescued a deputy from his burning vehicle following a head-on collision with a tree during a high-speed pursuit involving four armed robbery suspects.
The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude towards Curtis Blanton and his 17-year-old son, Pete, for their courageous actions in saving both the deputy and a sheriff’s dog after the fiery incident that occurred on Wednesday night, as reported by WBTV. Sheriff Alan Norman stated that Deputy Robert Taylor was engaged in a high-speed chase with the robbery suspects when his patrol car collided with a tree, resulting in severe injuries. The vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames.
While at home monitoring a police scanner, the Blantons drove to the scene and discovered Deputy Taylor on the ground, incapacitated and in need of assistance. They promptly pulled him away from the burning car and also rescued K-9 Thanos.
Curtis Blanton remarked, “We didn’t hesitate at all. They risk their lives for us every day, and this was the least we could do in return. We were not concerned about the potential dangers, such as the vehicle exploding; our priority was ensuring his safety.” Captain Justin Etters, the patrol commander, reported that Deputy Taylor underwent surgery on Thursday and is currently in stable condition, although he faces a lengthy recovery process. The sheriff’s office intends to recognize the Blantons for their bravery.
“We are grateful to them. Their support means a great deal to us, and we cherish our community,” Etters stated. “We hold them in high regard and sincerely appreciate their actions.” Earlier that day, Curtis Blanton had laid to rest his wife of 20 years after her battle with cancer, yet he still found the strength to save the deputy’s life amidst his own grief.
“We were simply spending time together as father and son and ended up in the right place at the right time,” Blanton reflected. “Ultimately, that man is alive, and that is what matters most – both he and his partner.”
The sheriff’s office subsequently apprehended four individuals involved in the robbery.
