Mahopac teen escapes after SUV rolls into Teakettle Spout Lake 

A 19-year-old Mahopac resident escaped with what appeared to be minor injuries after a car overturned and landed partially submerged in Teakettle Spout Lake early Monday morning, July 20, prompting a response from multiple emergency agencies. 

The crash occurred at about 6:23 a.m., near the intersection of Union Valley Road and Teakettle Spout Road. Carmel Police officers Michael Gabay and Brian Dwyer were among the first to arrive and found a 2004 Toyota Camry overturned in the lake with the driver attempting to climb from the vehicle. 

According to Carmel Police, Gabay and Dwyer, who are also members of the Mahopac Falls FD dive team, entered the water and helped the driver out of the partially submerged car. The driver was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to Danbury Hospital for further evaluation. 

The Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department responded alongside the Carmel Police Department, Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Empress paramedics and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

Firefighters wearing cold-water rescue gear entered the lake to deploy absorbent booms around the vehicle to contain any fuel or other fluids that might have leaked into the water. Crews also assisted a tow truck operator in attaching chains and cables so the vehicle could be safely removed. 

Emergency personnel remained at the scene for about an hour while the vehicle was recovered. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, although Carmel Police said preliminary findings indicate the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel.