A Caln police officer saved a 93-year-old woman from this burning home, Tuesday.
CALN — A township police officer rushed into a burning home Tuesday and saved a 93-year-old woman from the flames.
While the officer, Township Police Criminal Investigator James Shaw is being hailed for his quick and likely life-saving actions, the woman, Aldona Mitchell suffered server smoke inhalation and had to be airlifted to Crozer-Chester Hospital, where she is listed in critical condition, authorities say.
Tuesday afternoon, fire and police units were dispatched to a report of a fully-invloved house fire at 12 Glen View Lane. Shaw was the first on scene.
Township police said when Shaw arrived at the home, already clearing burning, he saw an elderly woman inside the home looking out the front door.
Shaw jumped out of his car and moved quickly toward the front door, but Mitchell retreated further into the house. Shaw, knowing she was moving deeper into a burning building, entered the house himself. He managed to find her in the living room, already filled with smoke and fire.
He pulled her out of the house to safety and was able to confirm that there were no other people in the house.
Fire and emergency services crews from Thorndale, Downingtown, Minquas, Alert, East Brandywine, and Lionville needed about a half hour to bring the fire under control.
This matter is under investigation by the Caln Township Police Department Criminal Investigation Division. The Chester County Fire Marshal’s Office, along with a Fire Marshal from the Pennsylvania State Police, are working to determine the cause of the fire.
Township Fire Marshal Ray Stackhouse and a Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit assisted at the scene.
