Driver swept downstream saved by tree

James Overpeck climbed out of his floating truck's window

BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A quick lunch run took a little longer than anticipated Thursday for one driver near the Kendall and Bexar County line.

James Overpeck was rescued from a tree by Bexar County Fire Alarm crews after high waters swept his truck downstream near Upper Balcones Road. Overpeck said he was heading into town to grab his wife some lunch when he came to a flooded crossing.

Overpeck said he figured the water was fine as he had driven through it 30 or 45 minutes earlier. But as he entered the crossing, water swept his Toyota Tundra away with him inside.

"My thoughts is, 'the truck's probably done for. I need to not get trapped in this vehicle, and I need to get out,'" he recalled.

So Overpeck said he rolled down his window, put his phone in his teeth and climbed onto a tree in the waters. He said he called 911 as he stood on a branch.

Directions were difficult though. Overpeck said it was more or less "I'm in a tree. In the middle of a river. Good luck."

He clung to the tree for what he thinks was about 30 to 45 minutes as other debris slammed into it. A Bexar County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said they got the call just before 10 a.m. but Bexar County Fire Alarm reached him first.

Overpeck said three of them formed a chain into the water and threw him a life vest. Then they hauled in the grateful Overpeck.

"I just wanted to be thankful toward them because they were putting their life at risk to get me out," he said.

Overpeck's truck ended up caught in the middle of the flooded creak, hung up on some brush about a quarter mile down from where it went in.

Standing on the bank a little more wet for wear, Overpeck concentrated on getting his truck out and getting a rental. He said he may need to take his wife out to dinner because of the ordeal.

After all, she never got that lunch.


About the Author:

Garrett Brnger is a reporter with KSAT 12.