UTAH

Right place, right time: Tooele police describe frantic water rescue

Jun 7, 2023, 1:00 PM | Updated: 2:01 pm

Members of the Tooele Police Department are talking about a water rescue they conducted because the...

Police shot out a window and pulled an unconscious 12-year-old girl out of a submerged car in Settlement Canyon Reservoir Saturday afternoon. (Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

(Derek Petersen, KSL TV)

TOOELE, Utah — Members of the Tooele Police Department are talking about a water rescue they were able to conduct at Settlement Canyon Reservoir, simply because they were in the right place at the right time.

It was a 12-year-old girl that benefited from the incredible timing.

Tooele Police were checking water levels at Settlement Canyon Reservoir

Corporal Colbey Bentley with the Tooele Police Department said some of their officers were checking the water level at Settlement Canyon Reservoir on Saturday when bystanders told them that a van had accidentally entered the water, and sunk below the surface.

Settlement Canyon Reservoir in Tooele County, pictured on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. (Kristin Murphy, Deseret News)

“As soon as the vehicle goes down, which is completely submerged at this point, our officers are able to jump into the water and are able to start searching for the vehicle,” Bentley told KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic.

They found the van but were faced with the near impossibility of opening a car door when it is submerged in water. 

“They are able to get down there they’re trying to break windows open. They’re trying to open doors. But as many people know when we have a submerged vehicle, it’s hard to break a window, it’s hard to open a door it just doesn’t happen,” he said.

Shooting into the murky water of Settlement Canyon Reservoir

Part of a police officer’s training, Bentley said, is to think out of the box when they have to. A 12-year-old girl was stuck in a vehicle full of water. So they fired their service weapon into the window.

“And an officer swimming around feels an arm and is able to pull the 12-year-old girl out,” Bentley said.

The child was unconscious. She wasn’t breathing. 

She was pulled to the shore where medical services had arrived. Police said she was taken to one hospital, and then another, and that she ended up being in good condition.

The van was eventually pulled from the water. Bentley said it had been submerged in about 11 feet of murky water. 

Other reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

labor union bill passes utah senate...

DANIEL WOODRUFF

Utah Senate gives final approval to original version of labor union bill

The Utah Senate gave final approval Thursday to a controversial bill banning collective bargaining for public sector unions.

24 minutes ago

Similar distressed stranger schemes involving baby formula have been reported around the country. (...

KSL TV

Utah shopper duped into buying $1,000 in baby formula in likely scam

There may be nothing which pulls the heartstrings like hearing about a baby who doesn't have anything to eat. Scammers are banking on it.

44 minutes ago

Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini speaks with KSL TV in an interview on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024. (KS...

Garna Mejia and Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

‘That’s thuggery’; Millcreek mayor demands investigation into ICE agents after traffic stop

After a controversial traffic stop made by ICE agents, Millcreek's city mayor is demanding action.

2 hours ago

wegovy, one of many weight loss drugs...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

Popular weight loss drugs may play a factor in vision loss, review shows

Ingredients in popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro may play a role in vision complications, such as eye stroke.

5 hours ago

The formations are called ice shoves because, well, they look like stacks of ice. Just piles of wha...

Diana Jones

Ice shoves: What are they and where to find them

The formations are called ice shoves due to them looking like stacks of ice. It happens when the surface of a lake turns to ice but breaks apart.

6 hours ago

A new bill sponsored by Rep. Sahara Hayes seeks to add restrictions to political advertisements, sp...

Michelle Lee

Utah lawmaker seeks to make changes to political advertisement restrictions

A new bill sponsored by Rep. Sahara Hayes seeks to add restrictions to political advertisements, specifically the ones on social media.

17 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Right place, right time: Tooele police describe frantic water rescue