Ponder driver rescued from floodwaters, arrested for ignoring barricades

Officials say the man ignored road barricades on C. Wolfe Road in Ponder and drove into high water, where his car quickly became stranded. Crews threw him a rope and later a life vest, helping him crawl to safety on top of a fire engine.
Officials say the man ignored road barricades on C. Wolfe Road in Ponder and drove into high water, where his car quickly became stranded. Crews threw him a rope and later a life vest, helping him crawl to safety on top of a fire engine. Photo credit Bilanol/getty

Firefighters in Denton County pulled off a dramatic rescue Monday afternoon after a driver got stuck in fast-moving water.

Officials say the man ignored road barricades on C. Wolfe Road in Ponder and drove into high water, where his car quickly became stranded. Crews threw him a rope and later a life vest, helping him crawl to safety on top of a fire engine.

But once the driver was safe, Denton County deputies arrested him on charges of disregarding high-water barricades — a violation that can carry serious penalties.

Authorities are reminding drivers never to ignore road closures, saying “turn around, don’t drown” is more than a slogan — it can save your life.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Bilanol/getty