Off-duty cop saves man from fiery gas station crash

NEW YORK (WPVI) -- One minute an off-duty police officer was pumping gas in New York, and the next he was saving a life.

Brand new surveillance video shows Senior Investigator John Vescio fueling up at a station north of Manhattan last week.

In the video you can see Vescio standing next to his car as an out-of-control car suddenly flies into the scene, hitting the pump right across from him.

At first the state police veteran runs from the fireball.

But seconds later Vescio turns back around, dashing over to pull the unconscious driver from his car.

The officer explains, "I got the door open but you could see the actual compartment was compressed. You could see the way his legs were tucked under by the seat, his seatbelt was on. He was pretty much helpless."

Vescio didn't stop there.

After dragging the 70-year-old to safety, the hero ran back to his car to grab a first aid kit.

Vescio was treated for a few minor burns.

The driver, who apparently was in diabetic shock at the time of the crash, is also doing well today.