Full Notification

HARRIS COUNTY, TX - On Saturday, February 26, 2017, at approximately 6:45 am, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy S. Arhelger was walking his family dog around a retention pond in the 300 block of Cobia drive in west Harris County.

As Arhelger was walking along the south end of the pond, he observed a blue and white colored Chrysler PT Cruiser leave the roadway and travel down the embankment and enter the pond.

The vehicle traveled about 30 yards into pond and began to sink.

Deputy Arhelger ran to the edge and saw that a 29-year-old male was making no attempt to exit the vehicle.

He entered the water and swam to the vehicle; the male driver was slumped over the steering wheel.

The man was later determined to have suffered a seizure and was unconscious.

The vehicle was completely submerged when Arhelger was able to open the driver’s side door.

With the assistance of a second male, they were able to pull him from the vehicle and keep his body above the waterline.

Harris County Emergency Medical Services (EMS 48) arrived along with additional HCSO personnel.

Arhelger swam back to shore to retrieve a life jacket and tow rope.

They fastened the life jacket on the male and tied the rope to the jacket, fire fighters and EMS personnel then pulled the man to shore.

He was transported to a local hospital and was released later that evening in good condition.

Deputy S. Arhelger’s lifesaving actions truly exemplify the Harris County Sheriff’s Office third Core Value, "to protect our citizens with honor and courage."