Washington County, OR – Emergency crews responded to an early-morning water rescue today after a man was found in a creek near Highway 47 in Washington County, according to Forest Grove Fire & Rescue.
According to officials, the call came in shortly after 5:10 a.m. Wednesday reporting a water rescue near Highway 47 between Oak Street and Sunset Drive, just outside Gaston. A caller reported that an individual had called 911 stating they were in the water and unable to walk. Dispatchers were unable to reconnect with the caller after the initial contact.
Deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrived first on scene and were able to make verbal contact with the patient. The man was found in a heavily vegetated area with water estimated to be up to four feet deep, officials said.
Firefighters from Forest Grove Fire & Rescue entered the area and began communicating with the man, who was able to walk despite being submerged. Crews escorted him approximately 100 feet through water and brush to reach the roadway.
Once safely out of the creek, the patient was assessed by AMR and transported to a local hospital for further medical evaluation. Authorities did not release details on the individual’s condition or explain how or why the man entered the creek.
To ensure no additional victims were involved, deputies deployed a drone equipped with thermal imaging to search the surrounding area. No other individuals were located.
Despite the presence of several emergency vehicles, Highway 47 remained open during the response. Assistance at the scene included the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, AMR Washington County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Officials say the incident remains under review.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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