In a dramatic incident in Redlands, California, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy rescued a child from the path of an oncoming train just moments before it struck an SUV.

According to People, Michael Castaneda of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was waiting at a railroad crossing when he noticed a woman attempting to free her vehicle from the tracks.

 

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Castaneda observed the woman exit the SUV with one child, placing the child on the ground as she returned to retrieve another from the vehicle. Hearing the train’s horn signaling its approach, he realized the imminent danger. Acting swiftly, Castaneda ran toward the child on the ground, lifted them, and moved to safety just before the train collided with the SUV. The mother managed to escape with her other child on the opposite side of the tracks.

For his heroic actions, Castaneda was awarded the Meritorious Valor Award by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The agency praised his bravery, calling it “a true example of courage and dedication to our community.” Reflecting on the event, Castaneda, a former Marine, humbly attributed his presence at the scene to perfect timing.

See a KCAL interview with the deputy at this link.

Read more at People.