Family Survives After Car Plunges Into Yolo County Slough

WOODLAND, Calif. (CBS13) -- Two deputies helped a quick-thinking teen save her family after their car swerved into a Yolo County slough swollen from the heavy rainfall.

Yolo County Sheriff deputies Mike Glaser and Derrick Alatorre were parked on the side of a road outside Woodland when a car they were stopped behind made a sudden U-turn in the middle of the road.

Dashcam footage shows an oncoming car, carrying 14-year-old Cloreesa Borrego and her family, swerving to avoid the maneuver, clipping the front of the other vehicle and veering off the road, into a nearby slough's bitterly cold waters.

The car immediately began sinking, but Cloreesa's split-second decision to force one of the car doors opened may have saved all of the vehicle's occupants.

"It was really hard to push open, so I had to push it open with all my strength," she said. "I took off my seatbelt, I got my niece, she's only 5 years old, I got her out."

Cloreesa was also able to help her grandmother, a 10-year-old and her pregnant sister escape the car.

When a car sinks into water, experts say victims have only moments to open a door or window before increasing water pressure effectively seals them shut.

Deputy Glaser immediately dove into the water to help bring the family to safety. Deputy Alatorre also assisted, even though it was his first day on the job.

"I thought it was going to be an easy tour, just kind of showing me the ropes," Alatorre said. "We got lucky. We were here at the right place at the right time."

The rescued family had just finished shopping for Christmas gifts and their holiday meals, and all of their belongings were lost along with the car. The family said they were just grateful to escape unharmed.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and will determine whether the driver who allegedly triggered the incident will face charges.