Off Duty CBP Officer Helps Rescue Accident Victim

San Juan, P.R. – Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer Carlos Carrasquillo was dropping his child at the bus stop in Canovanas, P.R. on his way to work when he saw a car skid out of control, leave the road and land upside down on the side of a grassy hill.

CBP Officer Carrasquillo summoned emergency help and ignored great risk to gain access to the 55-year-old driver, who was unable to get out and was bleeding. He made sure that 911 was called and, with the assistance of other citizens, was able to break the window, reach the victim and contain the blood flow until paramedics arrived at the scene.

A CBP officer helped rescue a Puerto Rican man after his pick-up truck left the roadway and landed on this embankment.

Officer Carrasquillo also made sure that the victim remained calm and asked him where he lived and his phone number while the police and ambulance personnel forced the door to gain access to the injured man. Carrasquillo also called the victim’s residence to notify his family members of the accident. He assured them that the victim appeared to be okay and informed them of the hospital where he was referred to.

“These types of actions must not go unnoticed,” said Marcelino Borges, field operations director for San Juan, Puerto Rico. “We are proud to have CBP Officer Carlos Carrasquillo among our dedicated officers. We are also thankful for having as part of Customs and Border Protection men and women who show the meaning of duty and public sacrifice, help others in need and go beyond the call of duty. CBP Officer Carrasquillo is only one of the men and women who are willing to go the extra step.”

CBP officers are entrusted with the important role of protecting U.S. borders at 326 ports of entry around the U.S. and its territories. Each day they protect against terrorist and weapons of mass destruction. CBP Officer Carrasquillo, even in an off-duty capacity, is a clear example of CBP’s outstanding workforce.