LANHAM, Md. (CBSDC) – A routine ride to work turned into a life-saving rescue effort for a Howard County police officer Friday morning.

Cpl. Craig Ream was on his way to the Howard County police station about 3 a.m. Friday when he pulled a teenage girl from a burning car after he stumbled upon a two-vehicle crash on Md. 97 in Carroll County, according to the Howard County Police Department.

The girl was identified by Maryland State Police as 18-year-old Casey Marie Bellofatto of Sykesville. She was flown to Shock Trauma and is in critical condition.

Ream, an 11-year veteran of the county police department, said he attempted to put out the fire with his fire extinguisher but it was ineffective. He then he crawled into the car to pull Bellofatto out to safety.

“This took amazing courage,” said Howard County Police Chief William McMahon. “I couldn’t be more proud. We
hear the word ‘hero’ used all the time, but Craig’s actions this morning were truly heroic.”

Ream was taken to Howard County General Hospital where he was treated for burns, cuts and scrapes before being released.

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