Heavy rain has caused floodwaters around Jackson County, leading to two vehicles getting trapped.
The first rescue took place at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Tyna Raikes, 56, of Laketon was traveling near the 9000 block of East County Road 50N when her vehicle became stuck in the high water. Raikes called for help, telling dispatch the water was up to her steering wheel, according to a Facebook post from Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer.
County Officer Jesse Hutchinson responded to the scene. Wearing a wet suit, he was able to make his way to Raikes’ vehicle and carry her about 100 yards to safety. Jackson County Emergency Medical Services personnel then transported Raikes to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where she was evaluated for potential injuries.
County officers were assisted by members of the Crothersville Police Department and Jackson-Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department.
County Lt. Adam Nicholson was unable to verify is any citations or fines had been issued to the driver; however, he believes she will likely receive a county ordinance violation.
"The report isn’t done, but I assume one was or will be written," Nicholson said.
The second rescue occurred at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Nathaniel Newlin, 44, of Bedford was traveling near County Road 400W and County Road 100S when the water became too high and he was unable to move his vehicle. Hutchinson, Officer Jordan Hawn and Reserve Officer Richard Rotert were dispatched to the location.
Water around the vehicle was so high that officers were unable to reach Newlin and his passenger, whose name was no available.
Police were able to rescue the two men after Indiana Conservation Officer Blake Everhart responded to the scene with an airboat, which allowed them to travel through the high water to the vehicle.
After the two men were pulled from the vehicle, they were evaluated by Jackson County EMS and they were released with no known injuries. Members of the Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department also assisted at the scene.
Nicholson said Newlin will be receiving a county ordinance violation when information can be retrieved from the vehicle’s license plate and registration.