Prince William police Officer Heath Oyler was just running radar over in Yorkshire. Minutes later he was a hero.
Some driver was speeding–doing 45 in a 25 mph early this morning. Officer Oyler turned on lights and sirens but the driver did not stop. The police officer decided not to chase the speeding car. Instead he followed him at safe speed. He came upon the car which had crashed and was billowing smoke from the engine. The driver attempted a getaway on foot but couldn’t get far because of his injuries. At this point, he informed the officer that his baby was in the car. (Thus becoming eligible for the father of the year award–NOT.)
Officer Oyler immediately attempted to remove the child. The door was jammed and he had to go to the passenger side to get the baby from its car seat. Quick thinking, Officer Oyler, and good decision making that probably saved lives.
This officer should be highly commended and should receive special recognition from the BOCS since he sure won’t be getting a raise. The driver should be pulling some major jail time for endangering his child and putting his own safety above that of his child.
Here is Corey Stewart’s email so readers can contact him to recommend Officer Heath Oyler for meritorious recognition. [email protected]
Full story Insidenova
[UPDATE: Several readers have emailed me that they have gotten very positive responses from both Corey Stewart and Chief Charlie Deane. It is good to know our county leaders recognize the outstanding achievements of their employees and that they respond so quickly.]
That’s my neck of the woods. They’re always flying through there to get from 28 to 234. Drives me nuts. I’ve always said it’s going to take a kid getting hit/killed by a car to get more speed traps out there.
One less illegal alien available to work construction or fast food in PWC, shame he’ll be deported … at least the infant that he abandoned in the burning car was saved.
And you know this because?
Because he ran away from his car even when there was a baby in it.
Do you want to make a bet on how his immigration status turns out Moon-howler? I will give you 100-1 odds.
This is actually the BEST CASE scenario. The worst case is that he would kill or maim an innocent driver before he absconded on foot.
I used to take that road quite often when I lived in Manassas. There were always people wanting to go much faster than the speed limit there, for some reason. I don’t miss driving that road and having people ride up on my tail wanting to go 35 or 45 mph on there. The police could write a lot of tickets every day there.
His name is Gustavo Adolfo Diaz-Bautista – want to make that bet Moon-howler?
We could bet for something other than money.
If I’m wrong I’ll refrain from posting anything negative for a month, or something like that. Or I’ll stop grumbling out loud every time I push 1 for English in the Supermarket.
If you’re wrong … hmm I can’t think of anything. You’re already a reasonable and conciliatory person. That’s no fun …
If you’re wrong you just have to admit that i was right.
Let’s see – for one thing he was driving on a revoked license. That means he must have had quite a record of driving offenses before this. No doubt he was driving without any insurance too. It’s really lucky this guy didn’t manage to kill someone. Hope he gets locked up for a very long time.
You have to admit, the odds are kind of in favor of Rick on that bet.
A tip for you Rick, you don’t have to press any buttons for English at the supermarket. You simply ignore the request, start scanning, and it automatically scans in English!!!!
Rick, I didn’t realize any info was out on him. Last time I saw the story he was simply being called ‘driver.’
I would say that the odds have just narrowed a bit. On the other hand, if you are right, I will give you credit. How’s that? I simply do not know. The information provided does narrow things down a bit however. Rick, I won’t bet against you. Those aren’t the kind of odds I take.
Gainesville, not going to disagree. I honestly was asking for information. I hadn’t seen name or charges.
OK, I was just making a comment regarding Rick’s bet. They must have updated that article though between the time you posted it and we looked at it – with the info on the driver.
Im more concerned about the child and thankful to the officer.
Anyone else?
The article says the child was OK and released to its mother. Presumably the child will be a lot better off without its father for awhile.
And now I am not betting. 😉
Juturna, there is a link to email Corey. I hope he will pass the comments generated on this blog along to Chief Deane.
I’m glad for the child, consider the officer a hero, and remain MAD AS HELL that our government facilitates people like this guy living here and driving on our roads.
Wow, kudos to Officer Oyler. He used good judgement in
a stressful situation and saved a child’s life.
Glad to read some news with a happy ending.
I for one am very glad to read two positive stories in the paper having to do with children. Yesterday, a missing teen with disabilties was found safely. And today, we have a baby that was saved from a burning car. It’s nice to see these two stories.
Officer Oyler is a hometown hero, and should be recognized as such.
Actually the illegal alien allegation (from Rick) will have to wait to be determined, BUT, if one has a Virginia driver’s license (since 2004) one had to prove citizenship to get it. If your license is revoked – as the Journal Messenger stated – then you had to have one in Virginia to BE revoked. The only “out” in Rick’s favor is if the individual had an out of State license and was revoked in the State in which the license was issued and Virginia would recognize the revoked status from another State. But those are longer odds..if I was a betting person.
Good for the Officer. Human nature would be to chase the driver after a quick scan of the car didn’t show anyone else ( a baby or child would be below the line of sight of the average person as you ran past)until you caught him, but this Officer did the right thing and went the extra step…good for him,and the child.
@ Rick, I am going to go the route of Kenny Rogers on this one.
I am not a heavy better:
I hope everyone is contacting Corey and asking that he recognize Officer Oyler for his excellent work.
Lucky Duck, i dont think you understand how the state driving code and dmv work.
driving on a revoked license is just a term that is often mis-used. It actually should be said that your ‘privledge to drive has been revoked’. A person may be charged with driving on a revocked license and may never even had a licensed issued.
Wow, people never cease to amaze me. The thread was intended to honor the bravery and quick thinking of a police officer. Rick, you have demonstrated EXACTLY why we need CIR. You judged someone soley based on their name. Do you also do that based on how people look?
“You judged someone soley based on their name.”
Wrong. He was using circumstance as well. Pay attention and quite judging.
“I don’t miss driving that road and having people ride up on my tail wanting to go 35 or 45 mph on there.”
I’ve had people actually PASS me on several occasions. Nothing gets my blood boiling as much as the tailgaters. I pray sometimes they hit me. Backing out of my driveway is an ordeal sometimes. Like the Daytona 500 in a residential area.
@Juturna
Yeah, that would have been MY first response, too, Jut.
The officer is a hero and should receive a commendation from more than just the BOCS,IMO.
And I hope the baby grows up knowing this story.
Corey’s email address is posted above. It only takes a moment to contact him suggesting that the officer receive some sort of county recognition.
Since I am in to the gambler theme, I would bet that Lucky Duck knows pretty much about Va driving codes. Just a hunch.
@Moon-howler
Good idea, MH! Who else can we write to? Is there like a Cop’s association or something? Or would we write to Chief Deane?
I have heard that Chief Deane always likes to hear positive citizen input regarding his officers. I wrote one once and got a very nice letter back from him. It was quite unexpected.
Where is the baby now? Was it turned over to social services?
Who cares what the status or nationality of the parent is. Bad is bad.
I will go out on a limb and agree with MH. Seems to me Lucky Duck knows of what he/she speaks.
The article says the baby was turned over to her mother.
Do you Chief Deane’s email address? I just found a general one.
Do you HAVE that is.
@Juturna
In another country, this guy might never have been caught or prosecuted, and the baby probably would have died. Let’s be thankful the family was here.
@Juturna
“What part of bad don’t you understand?” 🙂
I’m with you and moon on this one too. Lucky Duck always seems right on target about these things.
Pinko, if Chief Deane has an email address, it is the best kept secret in town. I can’t find it. Maybe he isn’t as modernized as Senator Kennedy? (see other thread)
Here is the snail mail address and his phone number:
Charlie T. Deane
Chief of Police
1 County Complex Court
(MC 475)
Prince William, VA 22192
(703-792-6650)
Elena, maybe you want to make a wager on whether he’s illegal or not?
If I’m wrong, I’ll donate $100 to the ACLU or some organization of your choice. I’m I’m right you donate $10 to Help Save Manassas.
Rick, why aren’t you in Vegas this week? You seem to have that old gambling itch, or do you have inside info? At least run up to Atlantic City this weekend.
Here is an email link to PWC-PD
http://www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=04007400094
I don’t bet on prejudice, better luck next time Rick.