Morrow officers honored after saving man from burning car

MORROW, Ga. - He does not remember much about the crash that almost claimed his life, but a young driver will never forget the officers who saved him from it.

Montrez Metts was driving up Interstate 75 on May 14 when witnesses said one of his tires blew, causing him to lose control and crash into the median. According to Morrow Police, the car flipped several times before striking a concrete light pole and coming to a stop on the side of the highway.

"When we arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and the driver was unconscious and he was trapped inside," recalled Sgt. Brad Beard, who was the third officer on the scene.

Beard said two other Morrow officers, Mike Madron and Preston Snowden, tried to break a window to free Metts, but could not get him out of the car. They grabbed fire extinguishers and kept the flames at bay until firefighters could arrive.

"I just remember waking up and them being right there," said Metts.

Tuesday, the Morrow Police Department presented Madron, Snowden and Beard with the Police Star, one of their highest honors. The award is reserved for those who display bravery and heroism, despite the threat of death or injury.

"It's kind of humbling. It really is," said Sgt. Beard. "We come out here; we do this job day in and day out and of course, with everything in the media that going on in the world today, it's a great honor to get this award."

Metts suffered multiple broken bones and a broken neck, but continues to improve every day.

"I'm happy to have a second chance and I feel real blessed to be here," Metts said.