Hero of the Day: Off-Duty Cop Saves a Man's Life After a Gas Station Crash

Last Tuesday John Vescio stopped at a Mobil station to gas up his unmarked state police car.

"I was standing there at the pump and the only thing I remember hearing was a speeding car; somebody that was entering into the gas station at a higher rate of speed than normal," he said.

In the blink of an eye, Vescio went from off-duty cop to fast-acting hero.

Video from a security camera captured the incident as it unfolded.

A 69-year-old man apparently blacked out and slammed into the gas pump and the cars that were parked there.

As flames spread, others ran away, but Vescio ran toward the driver.

"You could see the way his legs were tucked under by the seat," Vescio said. "His seatbelt was on. He was pretty much helpless."

Vescio worked to free him and ultimately dragged him away by his wrists.

While others are calling him a hero, Vescio said, "I just feel like me."

He's since visited with the unidentified man, whom he saved. He said the man's family is grateful, knowing it could have ended a lot worse.