Driver ignores barricades before floodwaters sweep away truck, Arizona sheriff says

A driver had to be rescued after he drove around flood barricades and was swept away in his pickup truck, according to an Arizona sheriff’s office.

With the help of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Ranger helicopter and crew, the man who was stranded was rescued on Tonto Creek on Jan. 2, according to a Facebook post by the Gila County Sheriff’s Office.

“We made the determination that the vehicle appeared to be stable. It had been there for about an hour and a half. We had no idea what the condition of the gentleman was inside,” said state trooper and paramedic Russ Dodge, according to FOX 10.

The flooding was “cresting the door handles,” but the crew was able to get the driver to safety, according to FOX 10.

The driver was flown out of the floodwaters and given a citation by deputies, the Facebook post said.

“Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to remind everyone not to cross flooded washes or drive around barricades, your life and the life of your passengers are not worth the risk,” the release said.

Gila County is about 130 miles northeast of Phoenix.