Photo By Maj. Karla Evans | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Cooke (second from the right), a recruiter with the South...... read more read more
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CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. - What began as a routine drive to Charleston, South Carolina, turned into a harrowing encounter on Friday, October 4, 2024, for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Cooke and his girlfriend, Haley Heskett. The couple, traveling on I-26 around 3:30 PM, found themselves in a dangerous situation when an erratic driver began swerving unpredictably, endangering others on the road.
Just 20 minutes into their journey, the driver of a nearby vehicle dangerously veered into their lane, nearly causing a collision. Initially suspecting a case of distracted driving, Cooke and Heskett quickly realized the threat was more severe. Cooke, an experienced National Guard member with an 11-year service record, relied on his ability to remain calm and take decisive action.
“I was immediately concerned about the safety of others on the road, not just Haley and me. With my family in law enforcement, I knew the importance of acting quickly and responsibly in these situations,” Cooke explained.
The couple followed the erratic driver while contacting 911. Heskett provided dispatch with details of the car's description and location while Cooke closely watched the unpredictable behavior. Despite assurances that help was on the way, the situation only worsened. The driver, alternating between dangerously high speeds of 95 mph and sudden slowdowns to 5 mph, also swerved onto the shoulder, throwing debris into the road and slamming on the brakes unexpectedly.
Cooke began signaling to other drivers to slow down as the driver’s speed settled at a precarious 30 mph. "We had to act quickly," Cooke said. "We couldn’t just wait for law enforcement; too many lives were at stake."
Coincidentally, two women from Arizona’s Cochise County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue—Ursula Richie and Sue Lord Haveruck—pulled up beside Cooke and Heskett in a black truck. Together, they worked to contain the reckless driver. Eventually, the vehicle rolled to a stop, and Richie and Haveruck coaxed the driver out, discovering him unresponsive behind the wheel.
Heskett, who has a background in healthcare, suspected a medical emergency. But after further observation, it became clear that the driver was under the influence. With the vehicle safely pushed off the road by Cooke and traffic resuming, the couple waited with the driver until local law enforcement arrived.
Cooke shared that their actions were guided by faith and the belief in doing the right thing. “In moments like these, we give all glory to God. He was with us, guiding and protecting not just us but everyone on that road. We’re not heroes—just people who did what was necessary when we had the power to make a difference.”
Law enforcement took the driver into custody after reviewing video footage provided by Cooke and Heskett. Many drivers passing by waved and cheered, showing gratitude for the couple's quick thinking and intervention, which likely prevented a tragic accident.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness on the road, and it serves as a reminder that National Guard training can make a difference in many different situations when used responsibly.
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2024 11:41 |
| Story ID: | 482782 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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