HIGHFILL — The police department issued a commendation for heroism to Carlos Castillo of Bethel Heights for his life-saving actions on the night of April 15 when he came upon an accident on Arkansas Highway 264 on the east edge of Highfill near the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.

According to a Highfill Police Department accident report, shortly before 11:30 p.m., Castillo came across a burning Hyundai Santa Fe off the roadway on a curve just east of the airport entrance and saw the driver, Angela Johnson of Springdale, lying on the ground beside the fully engulfed SUV screaming for help. Castillo risked his own life and pulled Johnson away from her burning vehicle to safety.

The Highfill Fire Department extinguished the fire. Johnson was treated by emergency medical personnel and transportedto the Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, the report states. Though the full extent of Johnson’s other injuries was not released, Castillo is cited as saying he believed she had a broken leg.

The commendation issued by Highfill Police Chief Jack Sanders states: “Mr. Castillo showed unparalleled heroism and unselfish dedication by placing himself in harm’s way to pull the driver of the vehicle, Angela Johnson, away from the burning vehicle. His actions, in no small part, helped save her life. Where most would have just called it in to the police, he acted without hesitation. On behalf of the town of Highfill, the Highfill Police Department, and … Mrs. Johnson’s family, we would like to commend Mr. Castillo for his heroic action. He is owed a debt of gratitude and we truly thank him for his bravery.”

The commendation was to be presented to Castillo in Springdale on Tuesday afternoon.

News, Pages 1 on 04/28/2010