MOSES LAKE, WA – A 65-year-old man was pulled from a submerged pickup truck and taken to the hospital in critical condition early Wednesday morning after the vehicle rolled into Moses Lake at the Blue Heron Park boat launch, according to the Moses Lake Police Department.

Police said the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. as three people were attempting to launch a boat. During the launch, the pickup truck began rolling backward down the boat ramp and into the lake. Investigators said the 65-year-old man was apparently asleep in the truck’s back seat and was unable to escape as the vehicle became submerged.

A nearby bystander heard the commotion, entered the water, forced open a window of the submerged pickup, and pulled the man to shore. The bystander began performing CPR before Moses Lake police officers arrived and continued lifesaving efforts until emergency medical personnel reached the scene.

The man was transported by ambulance to a hospital in critical condition.

During the investigation, officers found the pickup’s gear selector was not in the park position. Investigators have not determined whether the vehicle slipped out of gear or was not properly secured before it rolled into the water.

Police also reported finding drug paraphernalia and packaging in and around the pickup. The vehicle was impounded pending the execution of a search warrant.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police said criminal charges are possible depending on the outcome of the investigation.