A quiet morning at a Washington boat launch turned into a life-or-death rescue when a pickup truck rolled backward into the water with a man asleep inside. The incident happened around 4:30 a.m. at the Blue Heron Park boat launch, where three people were preparing to launch a boat when things went sideways in the worst way.
According to the Moses Lake Police Department, a 65-year-old man was asleep in the back seat of the pickup when the vehicle began rolling down the ramp and into the lake. He did not get out in time and was still inside as the truck went under.
That is when a nearby bystander heard the commotion and, without hesitation, jumped into the water. The rescuer forced the truck window open, pulled the man out, and got him to shore.
By the time officers arrived, the good Samaritan was already performing CPR. Police took over chest compressions until medics arrived on scene and transported the man in critical condition.
What Went Wrong With the Truck
The pickup’s gear selector was not in park when it rolled into the lake. It is still unclear whether the truck slipped out of gear on its own or whether it was never properly secured to begin with.
Police have not released additional details about what occurred in the moments before the truck entered the water. The vehicle was eventually recovered from the lake as authorities worked to piece together exactly what happened.
Drug Paraphernalia Found at the Scene
Officers also discovered drug paraphernalia and packaging in and around the pickup during their investigation. The truck was impounded pending a search warrant, and police say the investigation is ongoing, with charges possible depending on what they find.
No further details have been released about who owned the paraphernalia or how it factors into the timeline of events.
Fortunately, a nearby good Samaritan was in the right place at the right time and willing to act when seconds mattered.
The Moses Lake Police Department has not released the identities of those involved, and it remains unclear what, if any, charges may ultimately be filed. The investigation remains ongoing, and we will update this story as additional information becomes available.