A dramatic rescue unfolded in Tonopah, Arizona, as floodwaters surrounded a man stranded on his overturned truck. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office’s Fox 1 aviation crew responded to the scene, where deputies found the man perched atop the vehicle as waters rushed past.

Video footage released by authorities captures the tense moment. Due to hazardous conditions, directly reaching the man was deemed too risky. Instead, a ‘hoist rescue’ was performed.

A member of the Fox 1 crew descended toward the vehicle, securing the man in a rescue harness. Both were then hoisted to safety. The man was brought to shore, where fire personnel awaited.

Rich Dickner, the helicopter’s pilot, explained the urgency of the situation to CBS News. He noted the rapidly rising water levels around the vehicle. “We didn’t waste much time,” Dickner stated. “Initially, the water was below the window. It soon rose to the top.”

This quick response prevented a potential tragedy.

Deputy Lindsey Smith was lowered approximately 80 feet from the helicopter. Although she initially struggled to find her footing, she managed to secure herself to the vehicle successfully. The entire rescue operation was completed in under five minutes.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office praised their aviation crew for their swift action. “Thanks to the skill and rapid response of our Aviation crew, the subject was safely brought to shore,” they stated.

The Weather Channel reported that remnants of Hurricane Polo resulted in historic rainfall, leading to dangerous flash flooding in the Desert Southwest. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County cautioned drivers against traversing flooded roads. They emphasized, “Remember: Conditions can change fast. If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”