SONOMA COUNTY –  When a suspected drunk driver drove off Highway 1 in Sonoma County April 9, 2016, his vehicle  plummeted down a 125-foot cliff and caught fire.  California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Member and State Parks Ranger Alexis Jones was the first to arrive at the scene, according to the Press Democrat – “Motorist rescued from fiery Highway 1 crash arrested on DUI.”

Ranger Jones saw the vehicle in flames and the driver lying next to the car.   She was able to drag the man away from the vehicle.  According to the Press Democrat, State Parks lifeguards then arrived and helped to care for the man.

The driver, identified as Paul Topai, 28, of Santa Rosa, was seriously injured and transported back up to the highway with a rope line.  He was taken to the hospital and arrested on suspicion of DUI.

“Ranger Jones acted quickly and  risked her own personal safety to remove this driver from the vicinity of flames coming from his vehicle,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “It’s unfortunate that some people continue to drink and then get behind the wheel of their vehicles, putting everyone at risk.  Thankfully, Ranger Jones was quick to respond and it sounds as though this driver will recover from his injuries.”