Off-Duty Cop Rescues 2 Women From SUV In Saw Mill River

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two Westchester County women are safe thanks to a quick-thinking police officer.

As CBS2's Lou Young reported, Gwenasia Henderson, 22, was traveling to class at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry with a friend Monday when traffic suddenly backed up during a downpour.

She apparently swerved to avoid a car that stopped suddenly when its driver saw rising water. Henderson lost control of her SUV and hydroplaned into the Saw Mill River.

That's when another motorist, an off-duty NYPD cop, came to her and her friend's rescue.

The officer was out of his car and in the river before anyone else could react. The driver couldn't get the car door open and was beginning to panic, but the cop got her out, carried her to shore and went back for the passenger.

After emergency crews arrived, he was back in his car and on his way.

"I'm getting a little emotional, but I really do hope that he comes forward so I can get his name to thank him personally for what he done yesterday because it's good to know there's still good people out in the world today," said Ronea Henderson, Gwenasia's mother.

The NYPD has since identified the officer as 40-year-old Eric Karl, a 17-year veteran assigned to the 44th Precinct in the Bronx.

Karl was not immediately available for comment Tuesday.

Both women were shaken up in the accident, but are otherwise fine, Young reported.

Looking at the wreckage Tuesday, Ronea Henderson shuddered to think about what could have happened.

"We are grateful and blessed that she's alive," she said.