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Sykesville Teen in Critical Condition After Being Rescued From Burning Car
The dramatic rescue 'took amazing courage,' said Howard County Police Chief William McMahon.
A Howard County police officer crawled under the hood of a burning car and squeezed himself through a small opening to pull a teenage woman from a wreck on Route 97 in Carroll County early Friday morning, according to police.
The woman, Casey Marie Bellofatto, 18, of Sykesville, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in critical condition, according to a police statement.
Cpl. Craig Ream, an 11-year veteran of the police department, was on his way to work around 3 a.m. to serve a search warrant, when he happened upon the crash, said police. That's when he attempted to use a fire extinguisher to combat the blaze, but it had little effect, and so he decided to risk his own safety to attempt to save the woman.
"This took amazing courage," said Police Chief William McMahon. "I couldn't be more proud. We hear the word 'hero' used all the time, but Craig's actions this morning were truly heroic."
After pulling the woman from the burning car, Ream and Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Corporal Gunnar Burdt carried her up a hill, away from the vehicle, said police.
Ream, who police reported was soaked with gasoline and covered in blood, was transported to Howard County General Hospital and treated for burns, cuts and scrapes. He was later released, said police.
Bellofatto's 2010 Toyota Corrolla was heading southbound on Route 97 when it crossed the double yellow center line and collided head on with a 2000 Honda Accord being driven northbound by a 63-year-old Westminster woman, according to Maryland State Police.
The Toyota then veered off the roadway, overturned and caught fire, at which point Ream came upon the wreck and pulled Bellofatto from the vehicle, according to police.
The Westminster woman, Christine Elizabeth Stramm, was flown to shock trauma in serious condition, said state police.
Maryland State police said it is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were a factor in the collision.
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Mark
4:50 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Great job Craig, you are a true hero....(from retired HCPD officer)
Deborah Bostic
5:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
A true hero indeed.
Tammy P
5:24 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
A true Hero thank you for your service. God Bless!
M.P.
5:54 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
I believe everyone is in the right place at the right time and God brought you there for a reason. Thank you for selfless act and service.
Meg Klingaman
6:53 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Heard the sirens last night shortly after 3 a.m., and immediately began praying for whomever was injured and for rescue responders...know you were being aided by a higher power!
kenny
8:49 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
Diff a true hero in my book
Ol' AZ Hippie Chick
8:58 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
If there were a higher power watching out for people, this wouldn't have happened. This young woman was aided by a heroic man, who risked his life for her. (I just hope she wasn't drinking; it would be a shame if she risked those other people's lives for a drink.)
kara
7:55 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
drinking or not, a life was saved and an officer did his job. pray for both families who were injurded. never judge.
carol mason
9:26 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013
We need more people like you out there great job we are proid of you
S
12:38 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
This paper never seems to get the headlines correct. The headline should have read "HERO HOWARD COUNTY POLICEMAN SAVES TEEN FROM BURNING CAR. This was HIS story.
charles fritts
8:32 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
this man should be rewarded for his thoughyfullnes.
Karen
10:13 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Timing is everything! Thank you for your true service!
Sent by G
June Horner
10:24 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Wow! Cpl. Ream is truly a hero deserving of special recognition and commendation!
I love the Carroll Co. Times, but have to agree with 'S' on this one. Thank you, Westminster Patch for getting the headline right.
Ed
12:43 am on Sunday, January 13, 2013
I agree, except that, according the the CCT story, the CCSO Deputy also helped to pull her from the car. If that's the case, then the Patch story glosses over his contribution, and I think that is every bit as bad as the CCT headline.
Jack Downs
10:24 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I am confused about the "higher power" comment. Sounds like this brave officer happening upon this scene the moment the car caught fire defies conventional wisdom. I hope both women are okay. Effusive thanks, Officer Ream. If you ever pull me over for speeding, I hope I remember to shake your hand and commend you. And for the woman who drifted across the yellow lane, not everyone gets a second chance. Seize it.
Bethany Hart
1:49 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I totally agree with Mr. Downs!! But hey Mr. D....Please don't speed! LOLOL
Donna
4:28 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Great Job Officer Ream! Unfortunately my grandson just told me the young girl did not make it. Prayers for her family & friends.
Scott A. Bellofatto
5:16 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
The young girl Casey is still with us, your prayer would be very grateful & thankful
Donna
6:46 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013
Thanks for the update Scott, I just told my grandson the good news. I tried to delete my previous comment but couldn't. My son was in Shock Trauma in November after being beaten unconscious for his cell phone in Balto City. That's not a place where any parent wants to get a phone call from about their child. My heart goes out to the family.
Jeri Herl
2:00 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
I was involved in a fatal head on car crash as a passenger when I was 15 that the driver died in. After I spent a month in the hospital, a stranger who read about it in the paper sent me a letter and told me about salvation in Christ and how God did spare my life for a purpose. I resisted that truth for a few years after, but did fully turn to God at age 19. I am now 61 and know that good or bad, God who is in control and loves us. I will pray for this young lady and her family. I am so thankful for this wonderful hero or heros since I too was pulled from a vehicle by an officer who rescued me!
Dennis Champney
2:15 pm on Sunday, January 13, 2013
Casey, Please pull through! You are one of the nicest students I have ever taught! My prayers continue for you and your family!
Scott A. Bellofatto
4:44 pm on Thursday, January 24, 2013
@ Donna that's ok, things get say before we know of things sometimes, and thank you for your kind words, prayers are needed for Casey. Sorry to hear about your son and over a cell phone, unbelievable, hope your son is doing much better now,, GOD BLESS