Galveston officer saves life of choking man

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- A man who was choking in Galveston Monday has an officer to thank for saving his life.

It happened a little after 3pm, according to Galveston police. A motorist flagged down Officer Michael Andrews on FM 3005 and Buccaneer Boulevard.

Officer Andrews, a 2-year veteran with the Galveston Police Department, noticed an elderly man performing the Heimlich maneuver on the choking victim, but couldn't apply enough pressure.

"He probably wasn't doing it properly. He was squeezing it in the bottom of the stomach," said Officer Andrews.

That's when the officer jumped in and took over and was able to get the piece of food the victim was choking on dislodged. It was a piece of muffin.

Emergency crews were called to make sure the victim was alright. Officer Andrews then sent the elderly couple and their friend on their way. He didn't event get their names.

"It happened so quickly. I didn't even have a chance," said the officer. "I was doing what I had to, just to help the guy out."