Trooper, Good Samaritan dive into icy water to rescue driver

ELLENSBURG - A 30-year-old Seattle man is alive this morning thanks to some quick actions by a Washington State Patrol trooper and a passer-by.

Around 10 a.m. on Saturday, Anthony Johnson was traveling eastbound on I-90 just west of Ellensburg when he lost control of his car, went through a wire fence and ended up in a pond. Johnson lost consciousness due to the impact and his car quickly became submerged, police said.

Passing motorist Jim Kocker, who is a former lifeguard, swam approximately 50 feet out to the car, but was unable to get into the vehicle as the doors were locked and the windows up.

When Trooper Jay Farmer arrived, he and Kocker returned to the car, and used Farmer's expandable baton to break out a window.  The two were then able to unbuckle the driver and pull him to shore, police said.

Johnson was taken to Kittitas Valley Healthcare to be evaluated. His current condition is unknown.

Police believe the driver was sober at the time of the crash, and no crime was committed.