Deputy helps save Olivehurst teen after car crash

With a Sutter County deputy's help, an Olivehurst 16-year-old escaped with only moderate injuries despite being pinned under a Honda Civic during an accident Tuesday on Highway 20, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The accident occurred about 10:45 a.m. east of Wyncoop Road near the town of Sutter.

The victim, Shane Russ, was a passenger in the car driven by Benita Lee, 19, of Colusa when Lee tried to pass another car and realized she couldn't complete the pass because of an oncoming motorcycle. She panicked and drove off the opposite side of the road and the 1993, two-door Civic overturned.

Russ, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and was pinned under the car.

Sutter County Sheriff's Department Deputy Michael Gwinnup happened to be driving by and arrived just as the dust was settling, the CHP said.

Gwinnup, Lee and another passenger, 18-year-old Joshua Neighbors of Olivehurst, tried to lift the car off Russ but were initially unsuccessful and called for the CHP and an ambulance.

Before help arrived, the three were able to lift the car enough to remove Russ, who was having trouble breathing, said CHP spokesman Officer Jeff Larson.

"I guess the adrenaline kicked in," Larson said.

"All of us are scratching our heads" about Russ' survival, he said.

Thick weeds under Russ' body may have saved him from being crushed to death. Most people in that situation die, he said.

"Without Deputy Gwinnup arriving when he did, it is certain this collision would not have had the positive outcome it did," Larson said.

"All three parties involved in this collision are thankful for Deputy Gwinnup's arrival, calm demeanor and ability to essentially save the life of Shane Russ," he said.

Russ was treated in the Rideout Memorial Hospital emergency room. No condition report was available.

CONTACT reporter Rob Young at 749-4784.