JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (CBS12) — A quick-thinking man leaped into action to save his co-worker from a sinking pickup truck, turning a routine break outside a Jacksonville Publix into a rescue.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) said that Ryan Lauber was taking a break outside the Publix grocery store on Dunn Avenue when he suddenly heard a desperate call for help from the pond near the loading dock.

Curious and concerned, Lauber investigated and spotted a pickup truck sinking into the dark water, per JSO. Without thinking twice, he jumped over a 6-foot chain-link fence and jumped in to help.

Inside the truck, Lauber said he found his 19-year-old co-worker, who had just finished his shift.

According to the report, Lauber’s coworker lost control of his vehicle and ended up crashing through some bushes and a fence before landing in the retention pond.

JSO said he had been trapped inside for about 10 minutes and had swallowed water while trying to escape. Fortunately, Lauber found him floating and exhausted near the truck.

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As Lauber pulled his co-worker to safety, JSO officers, including one who was off-duty nearby, arrived on the scene. By then, JSO reported that the truck was completely submerged, with only bubbles suggesting its location.

Emergency crews from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue checked the driver and took him to a local hospital, where he is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery.

After the rescue, JSO officers expressed their gratitude to Lauber for his bravery and presented him with a District 6 challenge coin as a token of appreciation for his selfless act.

JSO reminded drivers to slow down and stay cautious, reminding everyone to remain calm and act quickly by unbuckling their seatbelt and opening or breaking a window if their vehicle ends up in water.

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