Bodycam video: Driver crashed into pet daycare; 1 dog dead, dozens rescued

BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) – It was a chaotic and heroic night for first responders after a driver lost control on a local interstate, crashing into and through a doggy daycare and boarding kennel.

The driver was not injured, but one dog was killed and dozens of others had to be rescued.

Body camera video from Bedford Heights police shows the harrowing moments as officers rescued a driver trapped inside a burning car.

Investigators say the 21-year old woman lost control on Interstate 480 around 2:45 a.m. Monday, plunged down an embankment, hit a power pole and slammed into the back of Camp Bow Wow doggie daycare and boarding kennel on Aurora Road.

“There were also what you would call good Samaritans, that were actually security guards that worked at an adjacent establishment that had seen the smoke,” said Bedford Heights assistant police chief Kenneth Hatcher, Jr.

Burger King drive-thru employee held at gunpoint: Willowick Police

One of those security guards was Richard Liuzzo. He and several others ran across the street after the power went out.

“It seemed like the car was exploding, the tires were popping and the gas tank was getting ready to explode, the cab was filling with smoke,” Liuzzo said.

The good Samaritans say they used bricks from the building to break the window to get inside.

“The vehicle was completely like this, she’s sitting sideways, the wheel here, trying to get out of the glass,” Liuzzo said.

“Help me, help me!” the trapped driver could be heard on police bodycam video.

“They too went to the area, our officers arrived on scene and when they did arrive on scene, they could hear the young woman inside screaming for help. Obviously the vehicle was engulfed in flames,” said the assistant police chief.

“Come through the top, come through the top. Hurry up, come to the top, come to the top, come to the top!” yelled one officer. With help from the security guards, officers were able to get the driver out of the car, after cutting away her seatbelt.

“We got a knife, we got a knife!” yelled one of the rescuers.

I-Team: New complaint filed over Cleveland nightclub

“Come through, come through. I got you, I got you!” said another, as they pull the trapped woman from the burning vehicle.

According to Bedford Heights fire chief Ken Levford, firefighters began rescuing nearly 50 dogs that were being boarded in kennels.

“Upon our officers’ arrival, there were dogs that were inside of the building as well. One dog did die from what we believe is to be smoke inhalation,” said Hatcher, Jr.

Signs on the front door alert customers that the business is closed.

Dogs were moved to a nearby location in Highland Heights.

Investigators say there are no signs that the 21-year old driver was impaired.

“She is saying she was cut off the road and it caused her to lose control, but we still have to investigate that,” said the assistant police chief.

Camp Bow Wow Bedford Heights states it will work with area camps to accommodate upcoming reservations.

Police say the 21-year old driver, who they did not name, was charged with failure to control, as they continue their investigation.

They do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

FOX 8 reached out to Camp Bow Wow’s corporate offices in Texas for comment.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.