A motorist who could have drowned in a pond on M-24 last Wednesday was saved by the quick actions of two men driving by.
Police credit Tom Brown of Lake Orion and Wayne Bombardo II of Ortonville for saving Bruce Tanyi of Oxford.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, Brown was leaving Walgreen’s when he noticed a van hitting another vehicle at M-24/Indianwood.
Tanyi’s van then crossed northbound traffic and went through Lakes Community Credit Union into the pond. Brown ran to the scene and with the help of Bombardo, who works at Mr. Muffler, they were able to pull Tanyi out of the vehicle.
“When they arrived, they jumped into the pond. It took both of them to open the door. They unbuckled the driver who was unconscious and pulled him from his vehicle as it was sinking. These civic minded heroes should receive due credit,” Narsh said.
Village received 911 calls at 12:45 p.m. saying that there was an accident by a pond. “But none of the witnesses provided what water it was,” Narsh said.
“I sent two units out along with myself. I sent one to an area near the post office, another to the swamp area south of Axford. I was heading north when I was flagged. I saw a partially submerged vehicle near the credit union.”
Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies also arrived on the scene. Because the accident took place at M-24/Indianwood, it was under the jurisdiction of the OCSD.
“I provided them with information we had gathered. Deputy Hubble was concerned that someone could still be in the van so he went into the water and checked the rear seat,” Narsh added.
“It was a good joint investigation and teamwork between our officers and the deputies of the sheriff’s department.”
When the wrecking company (Buckhorn) diver arrived, Narsh requested he do a hand to hand search of the perimeter of the vehicle. Nothing was found but car parts.
Narsh said it appeared Tanyi might have had a medical problem before the accident happened. “I’m pleased the driver is doing well,” he added.