Woman in sinking car rescued by North Dakota National Guardsman

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (KVRR) – A member of the North Dakota National Guard rescued a woman from a sinking car in Devils Lake Monday.

Lt. David Hooge was driving south of Devils Lake when he noticed a car behind him swerving back and forth before going off the road into the water.

When Hooge pulled over to help, the water was already up to the woman’s waist.

He says the woman was trapped because she couldn’t unlock the doors and the front door was too damaged to open.

Hooge grabbed a rock and broke the back window and unlocked the door. The woman was able escape.

“I’m glad I was able to step up and help,” said Hooge. “I joined the National Guard because I want to make a difference in my community and do what I can to make the world a better place.”

Hooge is a member of the 231st Quartermaster Platoon. He joined the National Guard in 2007.