Officers were dispatched at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday to a crash on Highland Road near Collier Canyon Road.
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A 1996 Toyota Corolla had been traveling east on Highland Road when the 20-year-old driver lost control of the car on a curve and it overturned in a creek.
The passenger compartment of the vehicle was nearly full of water when a nearby resident showed up, CHP officials said.
The resident used a pickaxe to shatter the rear window of the car and then pulled the driver from it, according to the CHP.
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The driver suffered only minor injuries.
"I am very proud of this citizen for courageously responding to and assisting at this collision scene," CHP Cmdr. Christopher Sherry said in a statement. "This incident could've ended horribly and tragically. He is a true hero."
CHP officials did not say yet whether the resident will receive an award for his bravery.