WATCH: University Circle Police rescue man from smoking car after hit-skip crash

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - University Circle Police got a call early Sunday about a car flipped over on Cedar Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive, the result of a hit and run crash.

Chief of Police Tom Wetzel says time was of the essence when officers received that call just before 2 a.m.

"There was smoke emanating from the car, the trapped unresponsive driver and they were really concerned about his medical condition, they felt they had to get him out, there was fears of a car fire possibly starting," he said.

Body cameras worn by the officers show them using their batons to break open the windshield. Another officer uses his fire extinguisher to spray the front end of the car where smoke was pouring out.

Once officers see the driver moving, they pull him out, checking to see if there was anyone else in the car.

"There was also fears, "Were there any other injuries?" Because he was bleeding, time was of the essence. They just couldn't sit there and wait and watch, especially if he was bleeding out.

So at least if they could get him out of the car, they could do some emergency if that was necessary," said Wetzel.

Thankfully, they got the driver out in time, and the man was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

Weitzel says the officers did everything right, and those officers should be rewarded. He's still in awe of their bravery.

"There's a power in that because it really does show that a picture is worth a thousand words and video is worth a million. And in this case, you allow people to see first-hand how difficult this is.

You watch the decision-making process right in front of you," he said. "It was a really special occasion, they did a fantastic job."

These are the UCPD officers who responded to the crash:

Sgt. Chris Hovan
Officer Mike Harris
Officer Drayy Wilkerson
Dispatcher Kathy Michaels

The seargent has written letters of Commendation for the Officers and the dispatcher. Chief Wetzel is submitting all four officers for a General Commendation Award with the American Police Hall of Fame.

The hit-skip is still under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.