San Juan Capistrano, United States - March 12, 2025 A dramatic rescue unfolded this morning when the Orange County Fire Authority’s Emergency Command Center received a desperate call at 9:39 AM. A man was trapped in a creek near Trabuco Creek Road and Rosenbaum Road, clinging to a tree for dear life as rushing water threatened to sweep him away. With rain lashing the area, a swift water rescue operation sprang into action. Multiple teams, a helicopter, and extra personnel—already on high alert for the storm—raced to the scene. There, they spotted a terrifying sight: a vehicle slammed against trees in the swollen creek, and an adult male gripping a nearby branch as the torrent roared around him. Time was ticking. A brave rescuer was lowered from the hovering chopper, battling the elements to reach the stranded man. In a heart-pounding moment, the victim was plucked to safety, hauled up from the churning waters below. On solid ground, firefighter paramedics rushed to check him over, relieved to find no serious injuries. Authorities are now urging the public to steer clear of moving water. “It doesn’t take much to sweep a person or car downstream,” they warned, hammering home the danger after this near miss.