Rudy Viera said he was at a stoplight when he say an alleged drunk driver and an officer crash, sending the officer's vehicle into a utility pole.
The accident happened just after 9 p.m., off South East Military Drive and South Presa.
"I jumped out of my truck real quick and I ran to his cruiser," said Rudy Viera.
Viera said he saw the officers car smoking and oil leaking from the car, and knew right away at that moment he had to get the officer out.
"So I was more focused on saving this cops life, because it was smoking. I didn't want it to be engulfed in flames, so his life was my priority," said Viera.
Viera said he tried to open the officer's door.
"It didn't want to open, it barely opened about 2 inches," said Viera.
Viera said the officer was unconscious and bleeding from his head.
"I carried him out and right when I carried him out, he literally fell down on the ground, while I was still holding him. I was able to pick him up, because I still had that adrenaline and carried him out like nothing, and just put him on the ground," said Viera.
Police said the officer, who has been on the force for 4 years, was responding to a burglary call. Witnesses told police the officer had a green light, and was driving with his lights and sirens on, when a black truck t-boned him.
Investigators say the driver was 74-year-old Trinidad Huerta, who has a previous arrested for drunk driving.
"The individual that was driving the black truck was evaluated for DWI, and he was found that there were enough cues to arrest him for DWI," said Sgt. Washington Moscoso, SAPD.
EMS rushed the officer to a hospital. Police say he was communicating. At last check the officer's condition was stable. Viera says he was worried for the officer and hopes he has a fast recovery. He also wants to remind people not to drink and drive.
"Driving irresponsibly could cause wrecks and people can lose a life. Your taking others innocent lives," said Viera.
Online court records show Huerta paid a $10,000 bond and is in the process of being released from jail. He will be required to have an ignition interlock device on his vehicle, which will check his breath for alcohol before he can use it.