VIDEO: Good samaritans, first responders rescue driver from Lake Phalen

An 80-year-old man is recovering after his truck crashed into Lake Phalen on St. Paul's East Side Monday afternoon, prompting a dramatic water rescue.

According to St. Paul police, two Good Samaritans jumped into the lake and tried to get the driver out of the submerged truck. Officers from St. Paul and Maplewood soon arrived and swam out to help.

Together, they broke the truck's windows and pulled the driver to safety. The Ramsey County Water Patrol dive team helped bring him back to shore, where St. Paul Fire medics transported him to Regions Hospital.

Investigators say the driver suffered a medical emergency. He was reported to be in stable condition. Police credited the quick actions of the Good Samaritans and first responders with saving the man's life.

St. Paul police video shows the rescue of an 80-year-old driver from Lake Phalen on St. Paul's East Side on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, after his truck crashed into the lake.