ONE RESCUED FROM FLOOD WATER AFTER DISREGARDING ROAD CLOSED BARRICADE
LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
GARRETT DURRENBERGER
SHERIFF
Lee County, TX -- On Tuesday 6/16/2026 at approximately 1:21 p.m. the Lee County Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a 911 call from a motorist that reported she was stuck in her vehicle in the flood water on County Road 323 in the Fedor area.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office, Lee County Commissioner Pct. 3, Lee County Emergency Management Coordinator, Lexington Volunteer Fire Department, and Game Wardens with the Texas Parks & Wildlife responded to the scene.
Lee County Sheriff's Captain was first to arrive and immediately launched Star-One (LCSO Drone). By flying the drone, the Captain was able to determine that the lone occupant of the Jeep was safe in her vehicle.
A helicopter from Texas Parks & Wildlife arrived at the scene to assist. LVFD personnel were able to drive a fire truck into the water and safely retrieve the woman; who was not injured. Another fire truck pulled the vehicle from the flood water, which was towed by a wrecker service.
The Lee County Precinct 3 Commissioner's office had previously set up "ROAD CLOSED" barricades for that specific section of County Road 323.
An investigation conducted by Lee County Deputies determined that the driver disregarded barricades placed at a water crossing. April Malinak, age 46 of Lincoln, was arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail for the Class B Misdemeanor offense.
"We urge everyone to obey traffic control devices, especially with regard to flood water crossings. Our county commissioners and TxDOT work long hours to monitor flood potential and road conditions. A great effort is put forth by our first responders in these type of rescues - they put their own personal safety at risk. We must remind everyone to take these matters seriously and always: turn around, don't drown.
All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source:
Garrett Durrenberger
Lee County Sheriff
