An officer's good timing saves a life

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - On Sunday, West Lafayette K-9 Officer Jeff Dunscomb was leaving the Williamsburg on the Wabash Apartment complex after receiving a call about a suspicious person.

As he was about to leave, Dunscomb found himself in the middle of a scary situation.

"A male came into the office and basically relayed to me that his friend was drowning in the pool," said Dunscomb.

Dunscomb said he immediately ran into the pool area and found 23-year-old Bin Luo at the bottom of the deep end.

"I was able to get him with the rescue pole, but I wasn't able to pull him out, just being the only person there," said Dunscomb.
 
Dunscomb said he immediately called for backup. West Lafayette Patrol Officer Dave Smith arrived almost immediately, and jumped into the water.

After two diving attempts, Dunscomb said they were able to pull Luo out of the pool.

"We started rescue attempts quickly on him," said Dunscomb. "He wasn't breathing at that time. Within seconds of the rescue attempts, he spit out a large amount of water and was breathing somewhat again."

Dunscomb said Luo was transported to Franciscan St. Elizabeth East Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

News 18 reached out to Luo Monday afternoon, but hospital officials said he is still undergoing treatment, and would not be available for comment.

Dunscomb said while officers are trained to rescue victims in drowning situations, in his 23-year career as an officer, this was his first drowning rescue.

Make that a first for Smith, too.

"I was a little bit in shock, yeah," said Dunscomb. "I was a little bit in shock that it happened so quickly."

"I was a little in shock, but I just had to get in and get him as soon as possible," said Smith.

While it was a first for both officers, both said they are happy they were in the right place at the right time, and are even happier they could both help save a life.

"It feels good, honestly," said Smith. "I don't want to let it go to my head, but it feels good."
    
"It feels good," said Dunscomb. "I'm glad we could be there and help him."

Officers said Luo was at the pool with a friend, but he did admit to officers that he did not know how to swim.

With the warmer months fast approaching, officers remind everyone to never go to a pool alone, especially if you're not a great swimmer.