Officer Rescues Woman from Submerged Vehicle in Medford Lakes

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Medford Lakes Borough Police officer is being commended for his quick and decisive actions in rescuing a woman from a vehicle that had crashed into Ballinger Lake early on the morning of March 8. The officer, Jake Tapia, heard a loud crash and a woman's screams for help, and without hesitation jumped into the water to pull the driver to safety before the partially submerged vehicle became fully submerged.

Why it matters

The officer's heroic actions likely saved the woman's life, as the vehicle was already mostly underwater when he arrived on the scene. This incident highlights the importance of having alert and courageous first responders who are willing to put themselves at risk to rescue others in emergency situations.

The details

According to police, the 25-year-old woman from Lumberton Township was driving on Stokes Road around 5:04 a.m. when her vehicle left the roadway and crashed into Ballinger Lake, located near the intersection of Stokes Road and Lenape Trail. The vehicle had traveled approximately 30 feet into the water before coming to a rest upside down, with the front half fully submerged.

• The incident occurred around 5:04 a.m. on March 8, 2026.
• The woman was treated at a local hospital and later released.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Medford Lakes Police Department Traffic Unit and Detective Bureau are investigating the cause of the crash.