Illinois Sailor Saves Driver from Burning Car

A Navy sailor who had just finished boot camp is being called a hero after saving a guy from a burning car at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.

Fire Breaks Out in Macy’s Parking Garage

According to the police, fire broke out Saturday afternoon on the upper level of the Macy's parking garage after the driver reportedly suffered a medical emergency. The vehicle then burst into flames, sending smoke throughout the area and damaging three nearby cars.

Sailor’s Quick Thinking Saves a Life

That's when William Thompson, the new Navy sailor, leapt to action. Thompson told ABC 7 in Chicago, "It's like everything the Navy taught me just instantly erupted inside of me."

Breaking the Window to Pull the Driver to Safety

Thompson smashed the car window and, with some help from a few other folks, pulled the driver out before the fire could spread. He suffered a few cuts in the process, but says it was worth it to see the man survive the ordeal.

Fire Crews Respond and Contain the Blaze

Crews arrived moments later to put out the fire using a foam and water mixture due to fuel leaking onto the ground. The driver was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“You Don’t Think, You Just Move,” Says Heroic Sailor

Thompson has only recently completed basic training and told reporters he did what he thought was right, mentioning, "You don't think, you just move."

No Injuries or Mall Damage Reported

No one else was hurt, and Woodfield officials say there was no damage to the mall itself. Still, Thompson's quick reaction and courage turned an ordinary afternoon shopping excursion into a story people in the Schaumburg area won't forget anytime soon.