WHITE CO., Ill. - A White County deputy going to rescue a motorist stranded in Springterton backwaters Saturday almost found himself in need of rescue, but was successful in helping the driver and getting the patrol vehicle out of the waters in an early-morning incident.
White County Sheriff Doug Maier reports that the situation emerged at 3:03 a.m. Saturday, December 15, with Deputy George Spencer responding a a call to 911 dispatch reference a subject caught in backwater on County Road 100 E approximately a quarter-mile south of the Springerton village limits. According to the call, Joe A. Carrell, 69 of Carmi, had driven into the backwater on this road and his vehicle was now stalled and flooding.
Upon arrival, Spencer located the maroon 2004 Lincoln LS in the backwater in the ditch on the west side of CR 100E. Spencer made contact with Carrell via telephone and advised him to remain in the vehicle until the deputy could determine if he would be able to drive all the way to where the car was stalled. As Spencer progressed through the backwater, however, he became concerned that the depth of the water would also cause the patrol vehicle to stall out. So Spencer contacted Carrell again, and Carrell advised that he understood, stating he would attempt to walk toward the patrol vehicle.
As Carrell began walking through the water, Spencer observed that the water where Carrell was appeared to be more shallow than where the patrol vehicle was in the roadway. So Spencer believed this indicated he could proceed as the water wouldn't become deeper, and this is what he did, reaching Carrell and allowing Carrell to enter the patrol vehicle. Spencer then backed the approximately-quarter-mile into Springerton.
Carrell was able to secure his vehicle before leaving it, and stated to Spencer that he would contact a tow service later in the day when the water subsided. Carrell was transported by Spencer to his residence on Center Street in Carmi, and an incident report was completed.