Driver rescued from car in pond, then sent to jail

Good Samaritans rescued an alleged DUI driver from a pond in Clayton, Del. Friday. But the man's luck didn't last long - both he and his passenger were soon scooped up by police.

Investigators said Robert Blisard, 41, was seen shortly before 6 p.m. driving a Dodge Intrepid "in an erratic manner" on Commons Boulevard - speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and tailgating other motorists. Blisard then allegedly slammed into the rear bumper of a Pontiac Bonneville being driven by Mary Rhodes, 43. The impact caused Blisard to lose control of his car, which veered off the roadway, down a hill and into a retention pond.

Several passing drivers saw the submerged vehicle and stopped to help. Witnesses said they also encountered the crashed car's passenger, 23-year-old Joe Moorehead, who was yelling that there was someone still inside as he ran down the road and away from the scene.

Authorities said one man immediately jumped into the water and smashed the Intrepid's rear window with a hammer. The Good Samaritan was eventually joined by several other citizens and police officials, who assisted in Blisard's rescue.

Officers caught up with Moorehead a short distance away. He, Blisard and Rhodes were all treated for minor injuries at Christina Hospital and released.

An investigation allegedly determined both speed and alcohol were contributing factors to the crash. Blisard was arrested and charged with a second-offense DUI and driving without a license. Investigators said a computer check revealed he also had an outstanding warrant out of Kent County for failing to pay a previous fine for driving without a license. Blisard was jailed at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institute after failing to post $370 cash bail.

Police said Moorehead also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, though they didn't specify the offense. He was arraigned on the charges and released.