Deputies: Teen saves woman in burning car

This is a press release courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff's Office

On October 17, at 2:42 a.m., the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 22 at Joseph Street Southeast. 

When deputies arrived, a 2005 Honda Civic was on its side, completely engulfed in flames and heavily damaged on all sides.

Salem Fire personnel were on scene extinguishing the flames and were with the driver, 21-year-old Destiny Edwards of Mill City, keeping her stable until medics arrived.

Deputies made contact with 19-year-old Nickolas Edwards (no relation to Destiny Edwards) of Salem who said he did not witness the crash but saw the vehicle off the road and on its side. 

When he got closer to the vehicle, he could see flames coming from the engine compartment and could see that Destiny was stuck inside.  He ran to the car and could hear her screaming for help so he started kicking the windshield until he was able to force a crack in it.

Nickolas then used his hands to pry the windshield open enough so he could pull Destiny out of the car. 

He then helped her get away from the car and assisted her until paramedics arrived. Nickolas received numerous cuts to his hands and it is believed his actions saved Destiny's life.

Destiny was transported to the Salem Hospital with several lacerations to her head and face.  Deputy Nick Hunter made contact with her at the scene and again at the hospital. 

As he continued the investigation into the crash he determined Destiny had been driving under the influence of intoxicants (alcohol) and she was charged with DUII and issued a citation at the hospital.