Man Rescued After Jumping into Los Angeles River to Save His Dog: 'Harrowing Experience'
Authorities said the dog is “eager to reunite with his human,” who was taken to a local hospital to received medical care
Los Angeles Fire Department
Rescued dogA man was rescued from the Los Angeles River on Monday after jumping into the rushing water to save his dog amid record-breaking rainfall in California.
Firefighters responded to the scene at the Pacoima Wash around 2:45 p.m. local time after bystanders reported that “a man jumped in the flowing water in pursuit of his dog,” according to a bulletin from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The dog, who was located first, “managed to swim safely to the edge and escape the rapids,” the LAFD said.
Los Angeles Fire Department
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The man who jumped into the rushing water was then rescued by LAFD’s Air Ops, which “lowered a rescuer into the water” who pulled the victim to safety.
Footage of the rescue, which the LAFD posted on social media, shows the rescuer and victim making contact in the water before they are both hoisted to safety.
The man pulled from the water was still conscious when he was saved, according to the LAFD. He was transported to the local hospital “by air,” they added.
Meanwhile, the victim’s dog “was taken to a local shelter for temporary care for minor injuries.”
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The LAFD thanked Los Angeles Animal Services “for caring for him while his owner received medical care” following the “harrowing experience.”
“This pup was happy to be alive, and eager to reunite with his human,” the department wrote on X.
Los Angeles Fire Department
Dog that man tried to save from river alongside Los Angeles Animal ServicesRelated: Mom Rescues 2 of Her Kids from House Fire, But Dies After Going Back to Save 1-Year-Old Son
At least three people have died as record-breaking rainfall continues to drench portions of California, according to CNN and The Los Angeles Times.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles says it has received several reports of rockslides, mudslides and debris flows since the atmospheric river storm began on Sunday.
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