A police sergeant injured himself as he dove out of the way of a flaming box truck that snarled traffic on a New Jersey highway Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Sparta police Sgt. Joseph Pensado, 45, and other officers were called to the scene of the truck fire at the 11 mile marker on Route 15 at about 12:03 p.m. Thursday, Sparta police said.
The officers rescued the 34-year-old driver and 57-year-old passenger, but the unoccupied flaming truck then began to roll down the hill toward the officers and their police cars.
Pensado ran to his car to move it out of the truck’s path, but fled after it became overwhelmed with smoke from the burning box truck.
He dove out of the way of the truck as it barreled down the road, severely bruising his right shoulder and injuring his left knee, police said.
He was rushed to Newton Medical Center and released a few hours later, authorities said.
On Monday, Lt. John-Paul Beebee praised the cops for their actions and said he was glad the pair weren't hurt.
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No other injuries were reported, police said.
