SUMTER, S.C. - A quick thinking rookie police officer is being credited with saving the life of a suspected drunken driver who crashed his car into a frigid pond.

WISTV reported Saturday that Sumter Police officer Quentin Eley stopped Friday night when he saw two cars stopped on a bridge with their hazard lights. He soon learned there was a car in the water with a man still inside.

Eley dove into the freezing water and was able to force open the door of the submerged vehicle. He pulled out the man inside and brought him to shore.

Rescued driver Ioan Marcel Cimpean refused treatment at the hospital. The 38-year-old was arrested and charged with DUI. He is being held without bond.

Eley joined the Sumter police in August.