Salem Officer Tells Story of Wednesday's Mill Creek Rescue (VIDEO)

Salem Police say the officer's actions very likely saved the woman's life.

Salem Police Officer Oscar Zambrano went into Mill Creek this week to rescue a woman who had been struck by a vehicle, knocked from the bridge, and into the water below, where she was swept upstream and was found clinging to a tree. Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - 48-year old Janice Johnson was struck by a vehicle last Wednesday on Mission Street, on the bridge over Mill Creek, and propelled over the concrete barrier about 30 feet into the water below.

She was rescued by Salem Police Officer Oscar Zambrano. He says the woman was struck by a van around 6:35 p.m. as she attempted to cross Mission Street from the north to the south at the bridge that crosses the Mill Creek.

Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada the area was very dark with heavy traffic, when the woman was struck by a 2005 Ford van driven eastbound on Mission St by 73-year old Barbara Witt of Salem.

"Johnson, who was wearing dark clothing at the time, was thrown off the front of the van, completely over the concrete barrier next to the roadway and into the water below. The incident was witnessed by passing motorists who immediately called 911."

Salem Police Officer Oscar Zambrano arrived on the scene and located Johnson, who had been swept northbound in the creek and under the roadway.

He says his first impression was that she was either dead, or severely injured. He was alarmed, and immediately went into the water to reach the injured woman.

Okada says Zambrano's actions very likely saved Ms. Johnson's life.

Salem Police Officer Oscar Zambrano was joined by Officer Juan Becerra, Sergeant Andy Connolly and Salem Firefighter/Medic Amy Charbonneau, who assisted in pulling Johnson to the bank of the creek.

Video