Retired New York police officer rescues driver from flooded car in NC’s Lake Norman

A convertible crashed into North Carolina’s Lake Norman and sank, leading to a dramatic rescue by a retired New York City police officer, according to Mooresville Fire-Rescue.

It happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 643 Williamson Road, just south of Mooresville, the fire department said in a news release. The crash site is about 25 miles north of uptown Charlotte.

“The vehicle traveled off the roadway, ending up in the water and was sinking/filling up with water when a local resident (a retired NYPD officer) jumped into Lake Norman and rescued the driver of the vehicle,” the department said.

“The passerby was able to unbuckle the seat belt and get the driver out of the vehicle. A boater jumped into the water and assisted with swimming the driver to a nearby dock.”

Station WBTV identified the retired police officer as Mark Mistretta and reported he heard the car hit the lake. Among those who jumped in to help was an employee of a nearby restaurant, Mackenzie Heckle, who said water was up to the driver’s chin, the station said.

The driver was taken to Carolinas Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries. The driver’s condition was not released.

The Mooresville Police Department is investigating the crash.

Photos show a tow truck was used to pull the vehicle from the lake later in the day.

This story was originally published September 22, 2022 at 6:17 AM with the headline "Retired New York police officer rescues driver from flooded car in NC’s Lake Norman."