Cop saves life of choking driver

A US POLICE officer saved a motorist in Kalamazoo, Michigan, who was choking after stopping her for driving through a red light.

Officer Jason Gates realised the woman could not breathe when he approached her vehicle, so he hit her on the back to try to clear her airway. When that did not work, he performed the Heimlich manoeuvre which dislodged a piece of sausage and bread from her throat.

The department said the woman started crying and thanked Mr Gates for saving her life. There was no confirmation from police if they ticketed her for the traffic offence.

By Press Association reporters