A Bloomington man was rescued Sunday afternoon after his vehicle had been swept off of a Jackson County road. Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, spokesman for the Indiana State Police, say the rescue happened just before 3 p.m. and involved multiple agencies.

Authorities say that 68-year-old Alexander Ferenczy, III, initially called 911 to report that his vehicle has stalled in flood waters on County Road 50 North near County Road 950 East in eastern Jackson County. Trp. Christopher Lockman, along with officers from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Crothersville Police Department and Indiana Conservation Officers responded to the scene. By time rescuers arrived, Ferenczy’s van had been swept off the road by rushing water.

Trp. Lockman, who is a member of the Indiana State Police Department’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team, determined that a water rescue was necessary immediately, determining that it was unsafe to wait for a rescue boat. Wheeles says the trooper donned his swiftwater rescue gear and entered the water while connected to a line that was being manned by other officers.

Trp. Lockman was able to successfully reach the vehicle, which by then was approximately 300 feet from dry land. Wheeles says that Lockman was able to attach a personal flotation device to Ferenczy and conducted a water rescue carry of the man, who was unable to walk due to a prior medical condition. Officers removed Ferenczy from the water and began administering first aid before he was taken to Schneck Medical Center for further evaluation. Ferenczy’s condition has not been updated.

Trp. Lockman was assisted by Deputy Rob Henley, Reserve Deputies Charlie Murphy and Greg Murphy, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Officer J L McElfresh, Crothersville Police Department and Conservation Officer Blake Everhart.

This was the weekend’s second water rescue from a vehicle locally. Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies are reminding you to avoid driving on roadways that are covered by water. Authorities say that just a small amount of moving water is capable of sweeping a heavy vehicle off the roadway. Remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”