Man rescued, arrested after crossing flooding barrier in Johnson County

Image 1 of 2

A stranded driver was rescued and then arrested in Johnson County Thursday afternoon after driving around a low-water crossing barrier.

Officials say the man made a phone call for help when he got stuck. The Cleburne Fire Department used a drone to locate the man’s pickup and find the driver who had walked to higher ground but was surrounded by the flood water.

The driver was identified on Friday as Christopher Blake Sledge, 35.

The Cleburne Fire Chief was pretty diplomatic when asked how he felt when drivers ignore flash flood barriers.

“Our job is to save people. We don't judge people on what actions they do,” said Chief Clint Ishmael. “But anytime somebody does something that puts my guys in peril, I'm concerned about that. But we're gonna do what we have to do to make sure that the people were safe.”

Sledge was arrested and charged with disobeying warning signs, a class B misdemeanor. He was later released after posting his bond set at $500.

Drivers can be jailed for up to six months and face up to a $2,000 fine for going around low water crossing barriers.