Richard Gibson saved Michael F. Yamamoto from being struck by an automobile, Sylmar, California, November 10, 1997. In heavy rain, Yamamoto’s automobile struck the center concrete barrier of an interstate highway and came to a stop, facing the wrong direction, in the breakdown lane adjacent to the barrier. Gibson, 39, highway patrol officer, and another officer drove upon the scene and parked their patrol car in the breakdown lane, at a point about 10 feet beyond Yamamoto’s car. Gibson exited the patrol car and started to walk toward Yamamoto, who by then was standing at a point between the parked cars. As Gibson approached, he saw an accident in the oncoming traffic that sent a car in the breakdown lane out of control toward Yamamoto’s car at about 45 m.p.h. Going between Yamamoto’s car and the patrol car, Gibson ran about 10 feet to Yamamoto. He pushed Yamamoto to the concrete barrier, then over it to a point of safety in the adjoining breakdown lane. The out-of-control car then struck Yamamoto’s car, pushing it into the back of the patrol car. Gibson was struck and knocked onto Yamamoto’s car, but he picked himself up and resumed his duties at the scene. He suffered sore muscles for several days and fully recovered.
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