UPDATE: Nov. 30 —
Police ganged up on a rescue mission Nov. 23 at 8:44 p.m. to pull an injured man from inside the wreck of his 2001 Range Rover, which began burning from the engine compartment after running off the road and hitting some trees.
Hunter Stanfield, 26, of 30 Bittersweet Trail, Wilton, was removed from the car by six officers just before fire engulfed the entire vehicle. The car was in the roadway on New Canaan Road. Officers supplied first aid at the scene and he went to Norwalk Hospital with minor injuries.
The officers are Sgt. David Hartman, Sgt. Gregg Phillipson, Sgt. Arnault Baker, Officer Mark Canepari, Officer Brandon Harris, and Officer Malcolm Hayes.
The Wilton and New Canaan fire departments also responded.
“It was a great team effort,” Capt. John Lynch said.
Stanfield’s legs were trapped in the crushed interior of his Rover, and access could not be gained from the damaged doors. Officers got in through the back hatch, and pulled him out, freeing his legs. Officers used a fire extinguisher to fight back the flames that burst into the passenger compartment.
One officer cut his hand and was treated at the scene, Lynch said.
“They are credited with rescuing this guy’s life,” Lynch said.
Capt. Brian Elliott of the Wilton Fire Department said the call came in as a burning car with a man trapped inside.
“It was definitely a life-threatening incident,” Elliott aid.
“The police did a miraculous job, they got him out just in time. Right after they pulled him out, fire engulfed the entire car,” Elliott aid.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze using a combination of water and foam.
“The police department did a great job and I have to commend the Wilton Ambulance and paramedic from Norwalk Hospital,” Elliott added.
The case is not over, however, as a criminal investigation is pending.
Nov. 29 — Wilton police rescued a man trapped inside a burning car on New Canaan Road on Wednesday, Nov. 23 around 8:45 p.m.
Hunter Stanfield, 26, of 30 Bittersweet Trail, Wilton, was removed from the car before fire engulfed the entire vehicle. The car was in the roadway on New Canaan Road. Officers supplied first aid and he went to Norwalk Hospital with minor injuries.
The incident resulted in the road being closed for a period of time between Old Boston and Trail's End Road.
There is a pending criminal investigation. More information to come.