TAMPA, Fla. — An 80-year-old woman passed away from her injuries Thursday after getting trapped underneath a car, according to a release.
Her 3-year-old great-granddaughter, who was also hurt in the accident, is doing well and is likely to survive.
TPD said that on Dec. 18, around 1:30 p.m., they received a call about a car accident involving pedestrians in the parking lot of the Arbor Ponds Apartment Complex on 2901 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.
Corporal Lance Baker arrived at the complex to find an 80-year-old woman and a three-year-old girl pinned underneath a 2006 Toyota Corolla.
The driver, 23, told police that both victims were struck when he didn't notice them as he was backing out of a parking spot.
He allegedly stated that he didn't see the woman pushing her great-granddaughter in a stroller while they were returning from the grocery store and backed his vehicle over both victims. Then, when he felt a bump, he assumed it was a large storm drain and attempted to pull forward.
When the car didn't move, he realized he hit someone, trapping both victims beneath the car.
Neighbors pitched in to help, using a hydraulic jack to raise the car slightly above the ground before first responders arrived. Baker was then able to free both the great-grandmother and child, pulling grocery items out from between the woman and the car, so she was able to breathe.
He then worked with firefighters to cut the child out of her stroller and pulled both victims to safety.
Both victims received medical attention immediately and were transported to a local hospital as trauma alerts. The great-grandmother is in critical condition, while the three-year-old is stable.
Police do not believe that impairment was a factor in the crash, and the driver remained at the scene and cooperated. Charges are not expected at this time.
"We are proud of Cpl. Baker's quick actions and calmness under pressure while helping this family," said Interim Chief of Police Lee Bercaw. "We are thankful for the good Samaritans and Tampa firefighters who also jumped into action to help make sure this grandmother and young child will get a chance to see another Christmas this week with their family."
The Tampa Police Department would like to advise all drivers to exercise extra caution this week as we approach the holiday season. When driving through busy shopping center parking lots or residential areas with children out of school for the holidays, please keep an eye out for pedestrians.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO MAY BE INTENSE FOR SOME VIEWERS
You can watch body camera footage of the rescue from TPD here.
