Deputy hailed for rescuing baby from floodwaters

CAPE GIRARDEAU — A deputy sheriff is being hailed for saving a 5-month-old trapped in floodwaters.

It happened Saturday when Alexander County, Ill., Deputy Brandon Craig responded to a single-car accident. A Honda Accord was upside down and partially submerged in the Big Muddy River.

Craig noticed a child car seat floating in the river. A baby was strapped in the seat.

Craig rescued the girl, who is from Cape Girardeau.

Four women were rescued from the car. The women and the infant were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Craig says a 16-year-old male driver was speeding. The car skidded on the shoulder and fell into the water. The driver swam away. He was arrested early Sunday and is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and obstructing a peace officer.