INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.– Indiana State Police say the quick actions of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer Javed Richards saved the life of a crash victim Friday.
Police responded to a serious crash on southbound I-465, near the Sam Jones Expressway, around 2:20 p.m.
Investigators say a flatbed tow truck slowed down and activated its emergency lighting in the left lane because another tow truck that was towing a vehicle on the left shoulder attempted to merge into traffic.
Bridget Stroud, 51, of Indianapolis, struck the rear end of the flatbead tow truck. The crash significantly damaged her Chevrolet Equinox, amputated her left arm and caused her to become entrapped in the vehicle.
Richards was off duty when he discovered the crash scene. He stopped to assist and utilized a tourniquet to stop the severe bleeding and took additional measures to preserve the victim’s arm.
Wayne Township Fire Department medical personnel responded and was able to remove the victim from the wreckage. The medics told investigators Richards’ quick actions saved Stroud’s life.
No other injuries were reported in the crash and the investigation is ongoing.
In November 2015, Richards was awarded the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart for wounds he received in a deadly gun battle with a man on the city’s east side.