Bodycam video shows heroic deputy rescuing woman from burning house

BAYTOWN, Texas – Bodycam video showed the tense moments when a heroic Harris County sheriff’s deputy saved a woman from her burning home Tuesday in Baytown, according to officials.

The deputy was identified as Deputy Roberto Martinez.

“It was dark and black. The lights went out and I couldn’t see anything and the smoke was just heavy,” said Eloisa Martinez.

Eloisa Martinez’s home on Zaragosa Street went up in flames about 3:15 a.m. and she became trapped. 

WATCH: Bodycam video of deputy rescuing woman from burning home

“He was standing in the window, and I was able to get to the window and he carried me out,” said Eloisa Martinez.

Roberto Martinez lives nearby and has been in law enforcement for 10 years. He said he didn’t hesitate when he saw the fire and heard the woman’s family members yelling for help. 

Deputy Martinez said that the whole ordeal was intense but he was just doing his job.

“I was just doing what I had to do, any one of us would have done it,” he said.

“We’re not trained in responding to house fires and battling smoke and flames like that, but he said he just went into action and just wanted to make sure she got out,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Other family members, including two young children, had already escaped.

“I’m just grateful that he was here when he came because I would’ve already either passed out or something on the floor,” said Eloisa Martinez.

Roberto Martinez visited Eloisa Martinez in the hospital to make sure she was OK.

Eloisa Martinez’s husband suffered from smoke inhalation. He remains in the hospital.

WATCH: HCSO deputy speaks about saving woman from burning home

Editor's note: Per an investigator's request, information that was previously provided about the nature of the fire has been removed.


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