The Christian County Sheriff’s Office saved a man from getting killed by a freight train on Wednesday morning. On April 28th, at 3 AM Christian County, 9-1-1 dispatch received a call that there was a vehicle parked on the railroad tracks near the intersection with ADM Grain Elevator in Taylorville. When the Christian County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they found the driver Jake Billbe passed out in the driver’s seat with the engine running and the doors locked.
Deputy Andrew Voorhees noticed the driver’s window being partly open. With that, Voorhees was able to open the door and wake Billbe. Billbe was able to move his vehicle just before the warning gate arms began to lower. Seconds later the train passed through that intersection. Billbe was later taken into custody by Deputy Sergeant Robert Goebel for driving under the influence.
Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp credits Deputy Voorhees for his quick and brave actions with saving Billbe’s life. Kettelkamp says that Voorhees without hesitation, put his own life in danger to save another life.
Billbe is currently on probation in Christian County for charges stemming from a previous DUI violation. Kettelkamp says that any Deputy would go ahead and risk their lives for the citizens of Christian County and that they have a job to protect and service the citizens of the county. Billbe posted bond and is set to appear in court on June 1st.
