Typically, when one employee “saves another,” it may involve someone give a slacking co-worker a heads-up when the boss is coming. Police work is different that way. When one officer saves another, it often looks like what just happened in Virginia.
Two Virginia police officers would tell you the police academy never taught them the scenario that unfolded on a rain-slicked highway on Thursday. Thanks to the quick actions of one officer, both officers lived to tell the tale.
Gate City, VA. Police Officer Jessica McGraw was dispatched to investigate a traffic collision on Hwy. 23. She requested assistance, and Officer Matthew Stewart responded. One patrol car’s dashcam captured the next harrowing split-second.
As the dramatic scene unfolded on dashcam video, McGraw and Stewart are standing beside the front right quarter of McGraw’s patrol vehicle, apparently discussing the collision they were investigating. The involved drivers and a vehicle can be seen a few yards beyond the patrol car. Stewart is facing the roadway; McGraw has her back to passing traffic.
CLOSE CALL: Police in Virginia released footage showing the moment a police officer pulled his colleague out of the way of an out-of-control vehicle. https://t.co/GTDGcsawj7 pic.twitter.com/r45Lbc13gK
— ABC News (@ABC) October 7, 2021
Suddenly, Stewart notices an out-of-control white car skidding toward them. Stewart reaches out, grabs McGraw, and pulls her out of danger just as the white car smashes, broadside, into the patrol car, sending it right into where the officers had been standing mere seconds before.
Gate City Chief of Police Justin Miller posted on the department’s Facebook page, “It is my belief the quick actions of Officer Stewart not only saved himself from serious bodily injury or death, but also that of Officer McGraw.”
MSN reported Officer McGraw said, “I didn’t see it, and I didn’t hear it, and it’s wild because I went back to watch my bodycam footage, and the sounds were clearly there, and I didn’t hear any of it.”
“If you can prevent something tragic from happening, if it’s within your power, I think most humans would do that. Especially police officers, and it worked out,” Officer Stewart said.
McGraw said, “I’m beyond thankful. I’m very blessed he was there. He definitely saved my life, and I owe it all to him and God, of course.”
Virginia State Police cited the driver who struck the patrol car for “VA Code 46.2.853,” “Failure to Maintain Proper Control—Reckless Driving.”
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Originally from New England, he’s a Boston sports fan. He now lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Jody, a retired firefighter. He enjoys spending time with his adult kids and three grandchildren.
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