Otero County Deputy Injured in Heroic Rescue of Teens After Rollover Crash, Surgery Scheduled

Description: Deputy Joe Pentlicki is in stable condition after fracturing his pelvis during a rescue of injured teens in an Otero County Rollover Crash. Investigation by Colorado State Patrol ongoing. Read the Full Press Release from the Otero County Sheriff's Office...

Injured Otero County Deputy Recovering After Fall While Rescuing Teens in Rollover Crash

Update on Injured Deputy. March 23, 2926 19:00. Deputy Joe Pentlicki and Detective Sergeant Tyson Duran were responding to a crash involving four teenagers in a canal on Otero County Road 805. 

Once they found the crash site, they started down the side of the canal which was steep and nearly 40 feet down, where the teens were in the vehicle severely injured.  Deputy Pentlicki lost footing and slid down, then his right leg caught and he tumbled end over end to the bottom, fracturing his pelvis. 

He repeatedly insisted EMS treat the children before him.  He was transported to AVRMC and then onto Memorial hospital, awaiting surgery. 

One of the teens was sent via helicopter from near the scene with severe injuries, and the others transported via ambulance to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta. The Deputy’s surgery is now scheduled for Tuesday. 

Our hearts go out to everyone injured in the crash and during the response and we pray for their quick healing. The bravery of our deputies in the face of danger is commendable and makes me so proud to have them as a part of our team. 

Dr. Pentlicki is an active member of our Reserve Posse and was on patrol duty with SGT Duran the night of the crash. He is currently in stable condition.  The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the crash and will make determination on charges, if appropriate.

Many law enforcement and Fire/EMS workers made it to the scene that night and I would like to thank all of them.

This is about all I can say for now.  Please send all the prayers, positive and healing energy you can to them.

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