LPD officers and a citizen recognized for lifesaving actions

On June 2, 2023, Lawrence Police Officers Tyler Morgan and Jason Heiney responded to a residence in Lawrence to a report of a person trapped under a car. Officers arrived and found the victim pinned beneath a vehicle on a sloped driveway. The person pinned had sustained injuries.

Officers were concerned about attempting to lift the vehicle due to the slope and risk of causing more serious injuries.

Citizen Israel Lara Ponce happened to see what was occurring. Israel Lara Ponce selflessly went to the front of the car, where he assisted officers with lifting the front of the car just enough so that the victim could free himself from under the vehicle, and receive treatment from medics on the scene.

The citizen was treated for his injuries, and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officer Heiney, Officer Morgan, and Israel Lara Ponce’s selfless actions undoubtedly resulted in saving the victim from further injury or potential death. Israel Lara Ponce immediately jumped in to assist officers and a fellow citizen in need.