GOSHEN TOWNSHIP – A harrowing incident unfolded on May 30, 2024, at 09:44 hours, when Deputy Chris Culler of the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office found himself at the center of a dramatic rescue effort following an injury crash at the intersection of State Route 161 and S. Parkview Road.
The Champaign County 911 center received notification from Deputy Chris Culler, via Sheriff’s radio, detailing his involvement in the crash. According to reports, a 2018 BMW, driven by Jeffrey Davis, 55, from Grove City, Ohio, disregarded a stop sign and pulled in front of Deputy Culler’s marked patrol vehicle as he was eastbound on State Route 161 at S. Parkview Rd., resulting in a collision.
Subsequent to the impact, the BMW careened off the roadway, traversed through a residential yard, and plunged into a nearby pond situated northeast of the intersection. With the vehicle rapidly sinking and the driver trapped inside, Deputy Culler sprang into action. Despite sustaining minor injuries himself, Deputy Culler swiftly secured his duty equipment and bravely dove into the water in a valiant effort to rescue Mr. Davis.
Undeterred by the perilous conditions, Deputy Culler persisted in his rescue attempts, joined shortly thereafter by Mr. Paul D’Angelo, a local resident. Together, they relentlessly worked to extricate Mr. Davis from the submerged vehicle. After a series of painstaking efforts, Deputy Culler and Mr. D’Angelo succeeded in freeing Mr. Davis and escorting him to safety on the shore.
Mr. Davis was subsequently airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital by CareFlight for treatment of his injuries, while Deputy Culler received medical attention for minor injuries and exposure at Mercy Health Emergency Department, Urbana Campus, before being released.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash fully. Deputy Culler’s courageous actions have been lauded by the community, exemplifying the dedication and valor exhibited by law enforcement personnel in the face of adversity
