Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad officer Don Thompson didn't know he would become a hero on his way to work Christmas afternoon. The 26-year veteran of the LAPD was driving on Los Angeles' 405 Freeway when he saw a car crash.
"I saw this car just veer into the retaining wall," Thompson told ABC News. "It went across all lanes, and it was on fire at that time."
Thompson ran from his car to the other car, which was engulfed in flames, and found the driver trapped inside and unconscious.
"I said to myself, 'I have to get him out of here,' " Thompson said. "All the while, there was of all this fire. It was just really intense."
Thompson dove into the car and tried to undo the man's seatbelt but was unable to. He then went back into the burning car and was able to pull the driver out. At this point disoriented by the heat, Thompson was helped by others who had stopped to help and film the ordeal.
"I mean, this guy, he was incredible," witness Dru Gash told ABC News. "He's like a superhero."
The 72-year-old driver, who was not identified, suffered only minor injuries and was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, ABC News reports.
Read more at ABC News.