DICKINSON — A mother and her infant escaped serious injury, after their vehicle crashed into Dickinson Bayou Thursday evening, thanks in part to a quick-thinking bystander who rushed to help before first responders arrived.

The crash happened around 9:38 PM in the 1100 block of East FM 517, according to Dickinson Police Detective Guadalupe Vasquez. Investigators say a vehicle carrying a mother and her infant left the roadway and ended up in the bayou.

Before police, fire, and EMS crews could reach the scene, a homeless man nearby jumped into a canoe and paddled to the partially submerged vehicle. Authorities say he was able to pull both the mother and child to safety.

The man left the area before Dickinson first responders arrived. The mother and infant were evaluated at the scene and did not suffer any major injuries, police said.

Dickinson police are now hoping to locate the man who helped rescue the pair — not as a suspect, but to speak with him about what he witnessed and to thank him for his actions.

Anyone with information about the individual or the incident is encouraged to contact the Dickinson Police Department.

Photo credit: Mike Fisher, CC