Off-Duty Deputy, His Wife, & A Neighbor Rescue Two People From Fiery Crash

MILLER COUNTY, Mo. — Over Memorial Day weekend, Miller County Deputy Sgt. Matthew Burkhead found himself on an unexpected rescue mission. A car crashed near his home on Saturday, May 26, and thanks to the quick and heroic actions of Burkhead, his wife, and their neighbor, the lives of those involved were saved.

Burkhead had the day off from the Miller County Sheriff's Office and spent it doing yard work with his wife Lisa. Around 6:21 p.m., he said he heard a vehicle speeding on Route C — much too fast for the sharp corner.

"I watched it slide and witnessed the crash," Burkhead said. "It hit the tree and the front of the car caught fire immediately. We could see the people, so we ran over."

Without hesitation, the Burkheads rushed to the vehicle to pull people out before it became engulfed with flames.

The driver, 24-year-old Chaunecia Berry managed to exit the Dodge Charger on her own. Passengers Dimonique Swain, 23, and Teresa Spence, 29, weren't so lucky, both having sustained serious injuries, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Burkhead said the woman in front was unconscious while the one in back was incapacitated with an injured leg.

Neighbor Tony McDowell happened to be passing by when he saw the Burkheads running toward the crash. He too jumped in to help.

Burkhead and McDowell grabbed the unconscious woman while Lisa aided the back seat passenger. The trio moved the women to the yard, a safe distance from the rapidly burning car.

"I'm most proud of my wife. She's not a deputy and didn't hesitate. She was on the phone with 911 basically the whole time too," Burkhead said. "And Tony's not a deputy either. In Miller County, we have Good Samaritans who are willing to help out, so it didn't surprise me that someone jumped into a dangerous situation."

Despite the chaos and danger, no one was burned or sustained additional injuries during the rescue. They didn't have to wait long for first responders.

"The fire department got there pretty quick, which I was grateful for," Burkhead said. They prevented the vehicle from exploding and spreading the fire. "Law enforcement and the ambulance also got there really fast."

Miller County ambulance transported Swain and Spence to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.

"Everybody got there quickly and did their job, and that's why I think we had the best possible outcome," Burkhead said. "I'm hoping they're ok."