A dramatic rescue unfolded in Easton, Massachusetts, early on February 27, 2025, when a patrol officer and two bystanders worked together to save a trapped 78-year-old man from a burning vehicle. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Route 138, involved a collision between three vehicles: a 1993 Mack dump truck, a 2013 Ford F-350, and a 2024 Toyota Camry.
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According to the Easton Police Department, the dump truck was stationary on the side of the road when the Ford F-350 struck it from behind. The crash rendered the F-350’s driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, immobile within the cab. Moments later, the Toyota Camry collided with the rear of the F-350, igniting a fire that quickly spread, leaving the elderly driver trapped inside.
Witnesses Ryan Mendes and his brother were in the vicinity and sprang into action. Before Officer Dean Soucie arrived at the scene, the brothers assessed the situation and removed fuel canisters from the back of the pickup truck, mitigating the risk of a larger explosion. “One of them grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the flames,” Officer Soucie recalled in an interview with Boston 25. “They removed a five-gallon gasoline tank from the pickup truck before I even got there.”
Upon his arrival, Officer Soucie was confronted with two flaming vehicles. Ryan Mendes and his brother quickly informed him that there was an elderly man trapped inside the Toyota Camry. Racing against time, Soucie approached the car and asked the driver, “Hey, can we get you out, sir?” Body camera footage captured the urgency of the moment.
In a coordinated effort, the officer and the bystanders broke the driver’s side window, successfully freeing the man from the fiery wreck. Although the elderly man sustained serious injuries, he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the driver of the Ford F-350 managed to escape unharmed.
Ryan Mendes, reflecting on the rescue, humbly noted, “We were just doing what anybody would naturally do.” His brother echoed this sentiment, highlighting their instinct to help. Officer Soucie praised Mendes for his quick thinking, stating, “He helped me free the individual from the driver’s seat.”
Easton Police Chief Keith Boone commended the efforts of all involved, describing Mendes as a hero for his role in the rescue. “There’s no question that he saved his life last night,” Boone remarked. He added, however, that Mendes might not enjoy the title of hero, as he is reported to be modest about his act of bravery.
The aftermath of the incident necessitated the closure of Route 138 for several hours, allowing investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the scene. The Easton Police Department’s Detective and Patrol Divisions have been assigned to the investigation into what caused the crash.
As the community processes the dramatic events of that night, the power of collective action in emergencies has resurfaced as a topic of conversation. The story serves as a reminder that quick decisions made in critical moments can change lives.
Local residents have expressed gratitude for the quick response of the officers and the two bystanders who acted selflessly. As the inquiry continues, the police have encouraged anyone with additional information about the events leading to the crash to come forward.
In the face of adversity, the calm and courage displayed by Officer Soucie and the Mendes brothers have become a beacon of hope and humanity in Easton. Their actions epitomise the ethos of community support, reminding us that help can come from unlikely sources when it is needed most.