According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, a single vehicle accident occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2015, on Alabama Highway 9 at Blackwell’s Crossroads.
A Nissan Altima, driven by a Leesburg woman, left the roadway and overturned in the flooded waters of Weiss Lake. Another motorist witnessed the accident and flagged down a passing deputy. Deputy Jeremy Stepps called for assistance and officers from Centre and Cedar Bluff police departments responded to the scene.
Officers jumped into the water, flipped the vehicle over, and rescued the driver. Officers performed CPR on the victim, who was later transported by ambulance to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her condition is unknown at this time. Officers and Cherokee County Rescue Squad members searched the water for approximately 30 minutes looking for other possible occupants, however, it was later determined the driver was alone at the time of the accident.
Sheriff Shaver commends Deputies Jeremy Stepps and Tyler Perea, Reserve Deputy Hunter Brisendine, Cedar Bluff Officer Chris Vaughn, Centre Officer Daniel Wooten, and Gaylesville Fireman Chris Storey for their quick response and heroic actions in this dangerous situation.
