Deputies, Good Samaritans Rescue Driver From Burning SUV After Wrong-Way Crash in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – A wrong-way crash on Tomball Parkway early Saturday morning led to a dramatic, life-saving rescue as deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and passing good samaritans worked together to pull a trapped driver from a burning vehicle just moments before it reignited.

Just after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, two vehicles collided in the southbound lanes of Tomball Parkway after one driver traveled the wrong way. The wrong-way driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The second driver was trapped inside an SUV that quickly became engulfed in flames.

Deputy John Syzdek and Sergeant Jonathan Tirk were among the first deputies to arrive. Before law enforcement reached the scene, civilian wrecker drivers Coty Goldvarg and Gordon Hagen of Precision Towing had already stopped and were attempting to pry open the vehicle to reach the trapped driver. Deputies immediately joined the rescue effort.

“When I saw the car in flames, my first thought was that I hoped nobody was inside,” Syzdek said. “When I found out someone was, I knew I had to get him out.”

Heavy smoke and intense heat made access extremely dangerous. Initial attempts to reach the driver through the passenger side failed as flames spread rapidly.

“We tried everything. We tried to get a knife to cut the seatbelt and pry open the doors — nothing was working,” Sgt. Tirk said.

Deputy Syzdek ran back to retrieve an additional fire extinguisher, buying the group precious seconds. The driver, who had been unconscious, began reacting as flames reached his legs.

“He was unconscious at the time, but once the flames started whipping at his legs, he was wincing in pain and we had to get him out,” Syzdek said.

Working together, deputies and the wrecker drivers managed to pull the driver through a vehicle window. Seconds later, the SUV reignited, briefly knocking responders to the ground. All were able to move clear safely.

The rescued driver was carried to a nearby grassy area, where EMS took over care. He was transported to a hospital in critical but stable condition. No deputies were injured during the rescue.

Ed Gonzalez praised the deputies and civilians involved for their quick thinking and courage.

“We are extremely proud of them,” Gonzalez said. “It’s truly representative of the work of law enforcement and what our deputies do every day — serving and protecting our community.”

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office commended Deputy Syzdek, Sgt. Tirk, and Precision Towing drivers Goldvarg and Hagen for their bravery, teamwork, and decisive actions that saved a life under extraordinary conditions.