Arizona sheriff's helicopter crew rescues man stranded on overturned truck in floodwaters

<p>Video footage shows an Arizona sheriff's helicopter crew rescuing a man stranded on top of his overturned truck as floodwaters surrounded the vehicle. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office reported that its Fox 1 aviation crew responded Tuesday morning to a flooded wash in Tonopah, where deputies found the man sitting atop the overturned vehicle with water rushing around him.</p><p>Authorities released video showing the man on the truck as muddy floodwaters flowed past. Due to the dangerous conditions, first responders determined that directly reaching the man was too risky and opted for a hoist rescue as the safest option.</p><p>A member of the Fox 1 crew was lowered toward the vehicle, secured the man in a rescue harness, and hoisted him to safety. The man was taken to the riverbank, where fire personnel were waiting, according to the sheriff's office.</p><p>The helicopter's pilot, Rich Dickner, stated that the water was quickly rising around the vehicle. "We didn't waste much time," Dickner said. He noted that the water level had risen significantly since their arrival, indicating urgency in the rescue.</p><p>Deputy Lindsey Smith was lowered approximately 80 feet from the helicopter toward the overturned truck. She initially struggled to secure herself to the vehicle but was able to do so before the rescue was completed. The entire operation took less than five minutes, according to authorities, who credited the crew's swift response with getting the man to safety.</p><p>The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office stated, "Thanks to the skill and quick response of our Aviation crew, the subject was safely brought to shore." The Weather Channel reported that remnants of Hurricane Polo brought historic rainfall to parts of the Desert Southwest, contributing to dangerous flash flooding. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County warned drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads, advising, "Remember: Conditions can change fast. If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don't Drown." Fox News Digital has reached out to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office for additional information.</p>